UPSC Prelims 2018 Q88: Environment & Ecology – International Environmental Treaties & Summits
- (a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
- (b) The UNEP Secretariat
- (c) The UNFCCC Secretariat
- (d) The World Meteorological Organization
Answer: (c) The UNFCCC Secretariat
Explanation
'Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now' - Launching Body
'Climate Neutral Now' is an initiative under the broader 'Momentum for Change' initiative launched by the UNFCCC Secretariat (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) in 2015. It encourages individuals, companies and organisations to measure, reduce and offset their greenhouse gas emissions.
| Option | Correct? | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| (a) IPCC | NO | IPCC is the scientific assessment body; it produces reports, not initiatives like this. |
| (b) UNEP Secretariat | NO | UNEP handles broader environmental agenda; the climate-specific initiative is under UNFCCC. |
| (c) UNFCCC Secretariat | YES | Launched under UNFCCC's 'Momentum for Change' umbrella at COP-21 Paris (2015). |
| (d) World Meteorological Organization (WMO) | NO | WMO handles weather/climate observation and is a co-parent of IPCC, not the initiative launcher. |
Answer: (c) The UNFCCC Secretariat.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. IPCC produces scientific assessment reports (AR reports) but does not launch operational initiatives like Climate Neutral Now.
- (b) Incorrect. UNEP handles broader environmental agenda; the climate action-specific initiative is under UNFCCC.
- (c) CORRECT. UNFCCC Secretariat launched Momentum for Change and Climate Neutral Now as part of climate action mobilisation.
- (d) Incorrect. WMO is the meteorological body co-parenting IPCC; it does not launch mitigation initiatives.
Key point
UN climate architecture: UNFCCC (1992 treaty + Secretariat in Bonn - Kyoto/Paris; hosts COPs, launches Climate Neutral Now, NDC platform). IPCC (scientific assessments - AR reports). UNEP (broader environment). WMO (weather/climate observation).
Remember
'Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now' is an initiative launched by the UNFCCC Secretariat (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) in 2015 to encourage individuals, companies and organisations to measure, reduce and offset their greenhouse gas emissions. It is part of UNFCCC's operational climate action mobilisation, distinct from IPCC (science) and UNEP (broader environmental agenda).
Common mistakes
- Confusing UNFCCC Secretariat (operations, Bonn) with IPCC (science) or UNEP (broader environment).
- Attributing UN climate initiatives to WMO - WMO co-parents IPCC but is not the operational climate action body.
- Missing that UNFCCC also runs NDC Registry, Global Climate Action Portal, adaptation platforms.
Exam tip
Climate governance bodies: UNFCCC (treaty, COPs, Secretariat in Bonn), IPCC (science, WG-I/II/III/AR reports), UNEP (broader environment, GEO reports), WMO (weather/climate data), GCF (Green Climate Fund - finance).
Sources
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change — Momentum for Change: the Climate Neutral Now initiative (launched 2015)
- UNFCCC - Climate Neutral Now Pledge Programme