UPSC Prelims 2025 Q9: Environment & Ecology – Renewable Energy & Green Technologies
- (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
- (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
- (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
- (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
Answer: (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
Explanation
Circular Economy - GHG Reduction Mechanisms:
| Circular Economy Mechanism | How It Reduces GHG | Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Reduces raw material input (II) | Less mining and extraction = less energy use = lower CO₂ from industrial processes | CORRECT - explains Statement I |
| Reduces waste/wastage (III) | Less landfill = less methane. Less incineration = less CO₂. Designed for durability = fewer replacement cycles | CORRECT - explains Statement I |
Statement I: CORRECT. Circular economy does reduce GHG emissions by transforming the linear "take-make-dispose" model into a closed loop.
Statement II: CORRECT. Keeping materials in use longer = less raw material extraction = less energy-intensive mining, smelting, and manufacturing.
Statement III: CORRECT. Designing for repairability = less waste to landfills (methane) and less incineration (CO₂).
Both II and III are the direct causal mechanisms that achieve the GHG reduction in Statement I.
Answer: (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Both Statement II (less raw material extraction) and Statement III (less waste) are accurate and both directly explain how circular economy achieves lower GHG emissions as stated in Statement I.
- (b) Incorrect. Both statements explain Statement I — not just one. Both mechanisms independently reduce emissions.
- (c) Incorrect. Both statements are correct — each describes a separate pathway through which circular economy cuts GHG.
- (d) Incorrect. Both statements are factually accurate and causally connected to Statement I.
Key point
Circular economy cuts GHG by: (1) less raw material extraction (II) and (2) less waste (III). Both mechanisms explain the emission reduction.
Remember
Circular economy = less raw material extraction + less waste = lower GHG emissions.
Common mistakes
- Thinking only one of II or III explains Statement I. Both independently explain it — less extraction reduces industrial energy use; less waste reduces methane and incineration CO₂.
- Not understanding that the linear economy (take-make-dispose) is itself a major source of GHG — circular economy attacks it at both input and output ends.
- Forgetting that landfill waste produces methane (a powerful GHG) — reducing waste is directly relevant to climate change, not just pollution.
Exam tip
Circular economy GHG reduction = two pathways: input reduction (less mining) + output reduction (less waste). For any such question, check if both mechanisms are covered in the answer.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI - Environmental Science (Sustainability and Circular Economy)
- Ellen MacArthur Foundation - Circular Economy Framework
- UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
- IPCC Climate Change Mitigation Report - Circular Economy Role