UPSC Prelims 2022 Q41: Environment & Ecology – Climate Change
"Climate Action Tracker" which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different
countries is a:
- (a) Database created by coalition of research organisations
- (b) Wing of "International Panel of Climate Change"
- (c) Committee under "United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change"
- (d) Agency promoted and financed by United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank
Answer: (a) Database created by coalition of research organisations
Explanation
Climate Action Tracker (CAT)
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| What it is | An independent scientific analysis that tracks government climate action |
| Run by | Climate Analytics and the NewClimate Institute — research organisations |
| Since | 2009 |
| Tracks | Pledges (NDCs), policies and net-zero targets of about 40 countries |
| Ratings | From '1.5°C Paris Agreement compatible' to 'Critically insufficient' |
Bodies in the other options:
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| IPCC | Assesses climate science; it does not rate national pledges |
| UNFCCC | UN climate treaty body; runs COP meetings |
| UNEP and World Bank | UNEP publishes the Emissions Gap Report, but does not run CAT |
Answer: (a) Database created by coalition of research organisations.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. CAT is run by a coalition of research organisations — Climate Analytics and the NewClimate Institute.
- (b) Incorrect. The IPCC does not run CAT; it assesses climate science.
- (c) Incorrect. CAT is independent of the UNFCCC.
- (d) Incorrect. CAT is not a UNEP–World Bank agency; UNEP's own tracker is the Emissions Gap Report.
Key point
Climate Action Tracker = independent analysis by Climate Analytics + NewClimate Institute (since 2009) rating country pledges.
Remember
The Climate Action Tracker is an independent database run by research organisations.
Common mistakes
- Assuming anything that tracks climate pledges must be a UN body.
- Confusing CAT with UNEP's Emissions Gap Report.
- Thinking the IPCC rates individual countries; it does not.
Exam tip
IPCC = science; UNFCCC = negotiations; CAT = independent scorecard.
Sources
- Climate Action Tracker — About (climateactiontracker.org)
- UNEP — Emissions Gap Report