Q. Consider the following statements:
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂ per capita.
- In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in the Asia–Pacific region.
- Electricity and heat producers are the largest source of CO₂ emissions in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I and III only
(b) II only
(c) II and III only
(d) I, II and III
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Answer & Explanation:
✅Correct Answer: (c) II and III only
Explanation:
Statement I – Incorrect
India’s per capita CO₂ emissions are not less than 0.5 tonnes. Recent estimates place India’s per capita emissions at around 1.9–2.0 t CO₂ per capita. Although this is well below the global average (approximately 4.7 t), it is still much higher than 0.5 t. Hence, Statement I is factually incorrect.
Statement II – Correct
In the Asia–Pacific region, China ranks first in total CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion, while India ranks second, followed by Japan. This ranking is based on total emissions, not per capita figures, reflecting India’s large population and expanding energy demand.
Statement III – Correct
In India, the electricity and heat production sector is the largest contributor to CO₂ emissions. This is mainly due to the heavy reliance on coal-fired thermal power plants, which emit more carbon dioxide than sectors such as transport, residential use, or non-energy industries.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
- Option (a) is incorrect because Statement I is wrong and Statement II is correct.
- Option (b) is incorrect because Statement III is also correct.
- Option (d) is incorrect because Statement I is factually wrong.