GS3 · Topic
Environmental Governance
Environmental impact assessment, clearances, the NGT and regulators, environmental law and its enforcement.
143 UPSC Mains GS3 questions on Environmental Governance that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
Trace the evolution of the Loss and Damage fund. What are major developments related to loss and damage funds in COP 27? What are the commitments made by India in this conference?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Climate ChangeEnvironmental Governance
What are the environmental and health impacts of metal mining pollution? Suggest measures to mitigate the same.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
PollutionEnvironmental Governance
Explain the purpose of "Mangrove Alliance for Climate" launched at COP 27. Elaborate on importance of mangroves in maintaining coastal ecology of tropical nations.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Biodiversity and ConservationClimate Change
Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns for an environmentally conscious world is not possible without fundamental changes in lifestyle. Discuss this statement in light of Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) Movement.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Climate ChangeEnvironmental Governance
Discuss the key provisions and significance of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. How will India benefit from signing and implementing this agreement? (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Biodiversity and ConservationEnvironmental Governance
COP27, 2022 concluded in Egypt has adopted "Mangrove Alliance for Climate" to highlight the importance of mangroves in conservation and tackling of climate change. Discuss.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Biodiversity and ConservationClimate Change
“Net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 is an unrealistic target.” Evaluate this assertion in light of current global and Indian energy trends, and suggest alternative pathways for sustainable development.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Climate ChangeEnergy
Highlighting the major mandate and objectives of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), evaluate its performance in mitigating pollution in Indian Cities.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
PollutionEnvironmental Governance
Describe the major outcomes of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the features of the Green Credit Initiative launched by India on the sidelines of COP-28?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Climate ChangeEnvironmental Governance
How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to International peace and security?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Climate ChangeEnvironmental Governance
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is one of the cornerstones in ensuring that the ecological costs of infrastructure development are minimal. In this context, discuss the concerns associated with the star rating system introduced in the EIA.
Answered by 1 topper
Environmental Governance
The CRZ Notification, 2018 aims to maintain a balance between economic growth and conservation principles of coastal regions. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Environmental GovernanceBiodiversity and Conservation
Do you agree that our understanding of wastelands is limited? Substantiate your opinion with reference to the solar parks in the habitat of Great Indian Bustard.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Environmental GovernanceEnergy
Despite huge ecological impacts like high water usage and tree loss, large scale construction projects are declared 'smart' & 'green'. Discuss. How the debate of 'Development versus Environment' can have a logical conclusion. Explain with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Environmental GovernancePollution
How do E-Waste (Management) Rules address the issue of E-waste recycling in India? Also, discuss the various impacts of e-waste on the environment.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
PollutionEnvironmental Governance
What role does wetland play in expanding the framework of sustainable development? What are the challenges faced by wetland ecosystem? Discuss the corrective steps required for their effective conservation.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Biodiversity and ConservationEnvironmental Governance
Towns that are resilient, liveable, productive and sustainable are based on the foundation of sound urban water management. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
InfrastructureDisaster Risk Reduction
The Economic Survey 2023-24 has highlighted the flaws in the current global approach to climate change mitigation. Explain their impact on developing countries like India. Also, suggest ways to balance development and climate action. (15M)
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Climate ChangeEnvironmental Governance
In the context of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) agreement under the Nagoya Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity, what is Digital Sequence Information (DSI)? How does DSI complicate the traditional method of managing ABS? In this light, delineate the provisions of the new Biological Diversity (Access and Benefit Sharing) Regulation 2025.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Biodiversity and ConservationEnvironmental Governance
Latest UN climate report highlights how communities that have contributed the least to climate change are suffering the most. In this context, discuss the case for 'Climate Reparations', the principles involved, steps taken and challenges in ensuring climate justice.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Climate ChangeEnvironmental Governance
Describe the concept of loss and damage and evaluate its relevance in ensuring climate equity.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Climate ChangeEnvironmental Governance
Despite decades of legislation and major river rejuvenation programmes, river pollution remains a critical challenge in India. Identify the main causes and critically assess the effectiveness of legal and policy frameworks.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
PollutionEnvironmental Governance
Describe the major outcomes of the 29th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Climate ChangeEnvironmental Governance
Discuss the natural and anthropogenic factors behind incidents of land subsidence. Suggest counter-measures to contain such incidents.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Disaster ManagementDisaster Risk Reduction
India is home to 12 out of 15 most polluted cities of South Asia, with large amount of PM2.5 & PM10 and Ozone pollution.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
PollutionEnvironmental Governance
Examine the role of capital expenditure in India's socio-economic development while highlighting the need to balance it with safety and environmental considerations.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Planning and Resource MobilisationInfrastructure
What is Land Degradation Neutrality? In what ways it can act as a centrepiece in achieving the goals of Sustainable Development Goal by India. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Biodiversity and ConservationClimate Change
Nanotechnology represents a paradigm shift from ‘bigger is better’ to ‘smaller is smarter.’ In this context, examine the transformative potential of nanotechnology in the fulfilment of India’s environmental goals.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Emerging TechnologiesEnvironmental Governance
According to a recent scientific assessment, the ozone hole, once considered to be the gravest danger to planetary life, is now expected to be repaired by 2066. In this context, discuss the various measures taken for ozone hole recovery.
Answered by 1 topper
Biodiversity and ConservationEnvironmental Governance
What are key lessons for DM and env conservation in Himalayan region, in light of recent disasters at Joshimath, Uttarakhand? Q9: Recent trends in Punjab show Khalistan issue is still simmering! Discuss with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Disaster ManagementDisaster Risk Reduction