Q.1 What is the primary objective of climate change law?
To promote economic growth at all costs
To regulate emissions and mitigate climate change impacts
To increase industrial production
To restrict international trade
Explanation - Climate change law aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote adaptation, and ensure environmental sustainability.
Correct answer is: To regulate emissions and mitigate climate change impacts
Q.2 Which international agreement is considered the main global treaty on climate change?
Kyoto Protocol
Paris Agreement
Montreal Protocol
Geneva Convention
Explanation - The Paris Agreement (2015) aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
Correct answer is: Paris Agreement
Q.3 Which principle requires that the polluter pays for the damage they cause to the environment?
Precautionary principle
Polluter pays principle
Sustainable development principle
Intergenerational equity principle
Explanation - This principle holds that those responsible for pollution should bear the costs of preventing or remedying environmental harm.
Correct answer is: Polluter pays principle
Q.4 Which of the following is a legally binding mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol?
Carbon trading and emission reduction targets
Mandatory renewable energy production
Global climate litigation
International carbon taxes
Explanation - The Kyoto Protocol introduced mechanisms like carbon trading to help countries meet emission reduction targets.
Correct answer is: Carbon trading and emission reduction targets
Q.5 Which law concept emphasizes meeting present needs without compromising future generations?
Intergenerational equity
Precautionary principle
Common but differentiated responsibilities
Environmental justice
Explanation - Intergenerational equity is a principle of sustainable development focusing on fairness to future generations.
Correct answer is: Intergenerational equity
Q.6 The principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities' recognizes that:
All countries have equal responsibility in climate change
Developed nations bear more responsibility due to historical emissions
Only developing countries are responsible for emissions
No country is responsible for climate change
Explanation - This principle is central to UNFCCC and acknowledges the different capabilities and responsibilities of countries in addressing climate change.
Correct answer is: Developed nations bear more responsibility due to historical emissions
Q.7 Which national law primarily deals with environmental protection in India?
Environment Protection Act, 1986
Air Act, 1962
Water Act, 1974
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Explanation - The Environment Protection Act, 1986 is the umbrella legislation to safeguard and improve the environment in India.
Correct answer is: Environment Protection Act, 1986
Q.8 Carbon credits are an example of which type of environmental mechanism?
Market-based mechanism
Command-and-control regulation
Direct taxation
Subsidy program
Explanation - Carbon credits allow organizations to trade emission allowances, providing economic incentives to reduce emissions.
Correct answer is: Market-based mechanism
Q.9 The precautionary principle is applied when:
There is certainty about environmental harm
Scientific evidence about environmental harm is uncertain
Economic growth is prioritized over environment
Environmental laws are fully implemented
Explanation - The precautionary principle advocates preventive action in the face of uncertainty to avoid serious environmental damage.
Correct answer is: Scientific evidence about environmental harm is uncertain
Q.10 Which of the following sectors is most regulated under climate change law due to high emissions?
Agriculture
Transport
Energy and industry
Tourism
Explanation - Energy production and industrial processes contribute the most to greenhouse gas emissions and are highly regulated.
Correct answer is: Energy and industry
Q.11 Sustainability reporting is primarily intended to:
Increase a company’s profits
Measure environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts
Reduce employee salaries
Promote government subsidies
Explanation - Sustainability reporting helps stakeholders evaluate a company’s environmental and social impact.
Correct answer is: Measure environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts
Q.12 Which UN body is mainly responsible for assessing climate change science?
UNEP
IPCC
UNDP
FAO
Explanation - The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provides scientific assessments of climate change, its impacts, and mitigation options.
Correct answer is: IPCC
Q.13 The 'Green Climate Fund' is designed to:
Provide financial support to developed countries
Fund climate action in developing countries
Penalize polluting industries
Fund nuclear energy projects
Explanation - The Green Climate Fund helps developing nations adapt to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Correct answer is: Fund climate action in developing countries
Q.14 Which law concept addresses fairness in the distribution of environmental benefits and burdens?
Environmental justice
Sustainable development
Precautionary principle
Polluter pays principle
Explanation - Environmental justice ensures that no group disproportionately suffers from environmental harms or lacks access to benefits.
Correct answer is: Environmental justice
Q.15 Which type of renewable energy is encouraged under sustainability law?
Coal power
Solar and wind energy
Oil extraction
Natural gas
Explanation - Sustainability law promotes clean and renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
Correct answer is: Solar and wind energy
Q.16 What is the main goal of national climate action plans (NAPs)?
To privatize environmental resources
To outline strategies for mitigation and adaptation to climate change
To eliminate environmental regulations
To increase fossil fuel use
Explanation - NAPs provide structured policies for countries to meet climate goals and protect vulnerable communities.
Correct answer is: To outline strategies for mitigation and adaptation to climate change
Q.17 Which of the following is a key indicator of sustainability in law?
GDP growth rate
Reduction in carbon footprint
Number of factories
Stock market performance
Explanation - Reducing carbon emissions is a central metric in assessing the effectiveness of sustainability policies and laws.
Correct answer is: Reduction in carbon footprint
Q.18 Which of these sectors contributes most to methane emissions globally?
Transportation
Agriculture and livestock
Energy production
Forestry
Explanation - Livestock digestion and manure management are significant sources of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Correct answer is: Agriculture and livestock
Q.19 Which of the following mechanisms helps businesses offset their carbon emissions?
Carbon offsetting projects
Environmental taxes
Pollution fines
Energy subsidies
Explanation - Businesses invest in projects that reduce or capture emissions elsewhere to compensate for their own emissions.
Correct answer is: Carbon offsetting projects
Q.20 Which international agreement successfully phased out ozone-depleting substances?
Kyoto Protocol
Paris Agreement
Montreal Protocol
Basel Convention
Explanation - The Montreal Protocol (1987) targeted the phase-out of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances.
Correct answer is: Montreal Protocol
Q.21 Which type of law focuses on promoting sustainable development within cities?
Urban environmental law
Maritime law
Trade law
Criminal law
Explanation - Urban environmental law governs sustainable practices like waste management, air quality, and green infrastructure in cities.
Correct answer is: Urban environmental law
Q.22 What is the purpose of the Emissions Trading System (ETS)?
To limit carbon emissions through market-based trading
To encourage fossil fuel production
To impose tariffs on renewable energy
To eliminate climate regulations
Explanation - ETS sets a cap on emissions and allows trading of allowances to incentivize reductions efficiently.
Correct answer is: To limit carbon emissions through market-based trading
Q.23 Which principle suggests that countries should act to prevent environmental harm even in the absence of full scientific certainty?
Precautionary principle
Sustainable development principle
Polluter pays principle
Common heritage principle
Explanation - The precautionary principle guides policy decisions when there is potential risk to the environment, even if scientific evidence is incomplete.
Correct answer is: Precautionary principle
Q.24 Which of the following is a key feature of sustainable agriculture promoted under law?
High pesticide usage
Soil conservation and crop rotation
Deforestation for farmland
Maximizing short-term yields
Explanation - Sustainable agriculture laws promote practices that preserve soil, reduce chemical usage, and protect ecosystems.
Correct answer is: Soil conservation and crop rotation
Q.25 Which legal mechanism ensures accountability for climate finance projects?
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Carbon offsetting certificates
Green bonds and reporting
International trade agreements
Explanation - Green bonds finance projects that are environmentally sustainable, with reporting requirements ensuring transparency and accountability.
Correct answer is: Green bonds and reporting