UPSC Prelims 2023 CSAT Paper II · Q3 of 77 Comprehension medium

Passage

Passage – 3 In India, a majority of farmers are marginal and small, less educated and possess low adaptive capabilities to climate change, perhaps because of credit and other constraints. So, one cannot expect autonomous adaptation to climate change. Even if it was possible, it would not be sufficient to offset losses from climate change. To deal with this, adaptation to climate change is paramount, alongside a fast mitigation response. Another solution is to have a planned or policy-driven adaptation, which would require the government to come up with policy recommendations. Perception is a necessary pre-requisite for adaptation. Whether farmers are adapting agricultural practices to climate change depends on whether they perceive it or not. However, this is not always enough for adaptation. It is important how a farmer perceives the risks associated with climate change.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the author of the passage ?

  1. (a) Adaptation to climate change and mitigation response are basically the responsibilities of the government.
  2. (b) Climate change causes a change in government policies regarding land use patterns in the country.
  3. (c) Risk perceptions of farmers are important for motivating them for taking adaptation decisions. ✓ UPSC's answer
  4. (d) Since mitigation is not possible, governments should come up with policies for quick response to climate change.

Why the answer is (c)

• The passage states that while perception is a necessary pre-requisite for adaptation, it is not always sufficient on its own.

• It explicitly concludes that 'It is important how a farmer perceives the risks associated with climate change.'

• This highlights that the specific nature of risk perception, rather than just the awareness of climate change, drives the decision to adapt.

• Therefore, the most logical message is that understanding and addressing farmers' risk perceptions is crucial for motivating adaptation decisions.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) Adaptation to climate change and mitigation response are basically the responsibilities…
The passage suggests government policy is needed because autonomous adaptation is insufficient, but it does not state that adaptation and mitigation are *basically* the government's sole responsibility.
(b) Climate change causes a change in government policies regarding land use patterns in the…
The passage does not mention land use patterns or specific changes in government policies regarding land use.
(d) Since mitigation is not possible, governments should come up with policies for quick…
The passage states that mitigation is needed alongside adaptation, not that mitigation is impossible.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023, held on 28 May 2023. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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