Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
Statement I: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂/capita.
Statement II: In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region.
Statement III: Electricity and heat producers are the largest sources of CO₂ emissions in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
I and III only
II only
II and III only
I, II and III
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
This question tests three different concepts—total national emissions, per-capita emissions and sector-wise emissions.
Statement I is incorrect: India’s per-capita carbon dioxide emissions are not below 0.5 tonnes.
In the data relevant to the question, India’s per-capita CO₂ emissions were around 2 tonnes, although this was lower than those of many developed countries and the global average.
Because of its large population, a country may have very high total emissions even when its per-capita emissions are comparatively low.
Therefore, ‘lower per-capita emissions than other countries’ and ‘emissions below 0.5 tonnes’ should not be treated as identical claims.
Statement II is correct: In terms of total CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in the Asia-Pacific region after China.
Coal-based electricity generation, industry, transport and other energy-related activities contribute to India’s total emissions.
India’s large population, growing economy and substantial energy demand result in high total emissions.
This situation makes India’s total emissions high, while its per-capita emissions may remain lower than those of several high-income countries.
Statement III is correct: Electricity and heat production is the largest sectoral source of CO₂ emissions in India.
Coal occupies an important position in India’s electricity system, and it is a fossil fuel that releases a large amount of carbon dioxide per unit of energy.
The combustion of coal and other fossil fuels in thermal power plants produces CO₂ on a large scale.
Industry and transport are also major emission sources, but their contributions are lower than that of electricity and heat production.
Renewable energy, nuclear energy, energy efficiency, storage, modernisation of the electricity grid and low-carbon fuels are important for reducing emissions from this sector.
Emissions from industrial processes and land-use change should be distinguished from CO₂ emissions caused by fuel combustion.