Set 7 | Important Environment and Sustainable Development MCQs

Correct Answer is A.

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established on October 18, 2010, under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, as a specialized body for the expeditious and effective resolution of environmental disputes. Its primary aim is to address cases involving environmental protection, forest conservation, and the preservation of natural resources.
• The NGT plays a crucial role in upholding the constitutional right to a healthy environment, which is recognized as part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. This ensures that every citizen of India has the right to live in an environment that is safe and conducive to their well-being.
• The NGT has jurisdiction over all civil cases where a substantial question relating to the environment is involved, including the enforcement of legal rights related to the environment. It also ensures compliance with the environmental laws and regulations enacted by the government.
• The tribunal operates on principles of natural justice and is not bound by the procedures laid down by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but is guided by the principles of sustainable development, precautionary principles, and the polluter pays principle.
• It has the authority to provide compensation and relief to affected parties and impose penalties on those found guilty of environmental violations.
• Justice Lokeshwar Singh Panta was appointed as the first Chairman of the NGT when it was inaugurated. Currently, the tribunal is chaired by Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, who has continued to steer the NGT in its mission to ensure environmental justice and sustainability across India.
• The NGT’s judgments have had far-reaching impacts, not only in India but also serving as a model for other countries looking to establish similar environmental courts.

Correct Answer is A.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a vital institution in India, dedicated to safeguarding the environment and ensuring that our natural resources are preserved for future generations. Established on October 18, 2010, under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, the NGT was created to address the increasing need for specialized and efficient resolution of environmental disputes.

• What Makes the NGT Unique?
• A Specialized Environmental Court: The NGT is a specialized body with exclusive jurisdiction over all civil cases involving significant environmental issues. Whether it’s about pollution, deforestation, or illegal mining, the NGT ensures that such cases are handled with the urgency and expertise they require.

Correct Answer is D.

• William M. Adams is the author of the influential book Green Development: Environment and Sustainability in a Developing World. First published in 1990, this book explores the complex relationship between development and environmental sustainability, particularly in the context of the developing world.
• It has since become a key text for students and professionals interested in environmental studies, sustainability, and development policy.

Correct Answer is A.

• Rio+20, officially known as the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2012. This significant event marked the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit, which was also held in Rio.
• Additionally, Rio+20 commemorated the 10th anniversary of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg.
• The Rio+20 conference brought together world leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss and renew commitments to sustainable development. The primary focus of the conference was to build a global framework for promoting green economies, eradicating poverty, and ensuring sustainable development for all.
• One of the key outcomes of Rio+20 was the document titled “The Future We Want,” which outlined a shared vision for a sustainable future and laid the groundwork for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015.

Correct Answer is C.

• In 1997, the World Environment Conference in Kyoto, Japan, saw the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
• This landmark treaty, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, officially came into effect on February 16, 2005.

Correct Answer is D.

• In 1992, the first International Earth Summit took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with over 100 heads of state in attendance. This landmark event aimed to tackle pressing environmental and socio-economic issues.
• The summit resulted in the signing of key agreements, such as the Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity, as well as the endorsement of the Rio Declaration, the Forest Principles, and the adoption of Agenda 21 for sustainable development.
• To oversee the implementation of these agreements, the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was established.
• In 1997, the United Nations General Assembly held a special session, known as Earth Summit +5, from June 23-27 in New York, to review the progress made. Later meetings included the Rio +10 Summit in Johannesburg in 2002 and the Rio +20 Summit, which returned to Rio de Janeiro in 2012.

Correct Answer is B.

• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were indeed proposed at the Rio+20 conference in 2012. However, they were formally adopted later, in September 2015, as part of the “Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
• This agenda includes 17 aspirational Global Goals with 169 targets to address global challenges and promote sustainable development.
• Therefore, while statement 1 is incorrect regarding the timeline, statement 2 is accurate in describing the SDGs as the “Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” and detailing their structure.

Correct Answer is A.

• In April 1968, a diverse group of 30 individuals—including scientists, educators, economists, humanists, industrialists, and government officials—gathered at the Academia dei Lincei in Rome.
• This meeting led to the formation of “The Club of Rome” as an informal organization. The Club of Rome is best known for its influential concept of ‘Limits to Growth,’ which addresses the potential consequences of continued exponential growth on the planet’s resources and environment.

Correct Answer is A.

• The underlying dimensions of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are indeed closely related to key aspects such as education and health.
• This relationship is evident in the positive correlation between the Human Development Index (HDI) and SDG rankings across Indian states. HDI, which measures a region’s overall development based on education, health, and standard of living, often reflects improvements in these areas, which are central to the SDGs.
• Thus, both the statement (A) and the reasoning (R) are true, with (R) serving as the correct explanation of (A).

Correct Answer is B.

• Statement (1) is incorrect because Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) was originally developed by the FAO in 2010 through the paper “Climate Smart Agriculture: Policies, Practices and Financing for Food Security, Adaptation and Mitigation.” The Global Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture (GASCA) was established in 2014 to focus on CSA.
• Statement (2) is correct because membership in the GASCA does not impose any binding obligations on member countries.
• Statement (3) is incorrect because India is not just a signatory but is actively involved in CSA initiatives.