2022 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2022 · GS Paper I
Question 80: Environment and Ecology
Which one of the following best describes the term “greenwashing” ?
aConveying a false impression that a company’s products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
bNon-inclusion of ecological/environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a country
cIgnoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure development
dMaking mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
Greenwashing is conveying a false impression, through advertising or claims, that a company's products or practices are environmentally friendly and sound, when they are not. It misleads consumers and investors. The other options describe different ideas: leaving environmental costs out of national accounts, ignoring ecological harm in infrastructure projects, and making provisions for environmental costs in a project.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Correct. A false impression of eco-friendliness.
- (b) Leaving environmental costs out of national accounts is a different issue, not greenwashing.
- (c) Ignoring ecological harm in infrastructure is neglect, not greenwashing.
- (d) Mandatory provision for environmental costs is good practice, the opposite of greenwashing.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2022, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.