Which organization has enacted the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss?
- (a) The European Union ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) The World Bank
- (c) The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
- (d) The Food and Agriculture Organization
Why the answer is (a)
• The Nature Restoration Law was adopted by the European Union in 2024 as the first continent-wide law of its kind and a key part of the European Green Deal and EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.
• It requires member states to put restoration measures in place on at least 20% of the EU's land and sea areas by 2030 and on all ecosystems needing restoration by 2050, covering forests, wetlands, rivers, pollinators and urban green space.
• It aims to address both climate change (through carbon storage in restored ecosystems) and biodiversity loss.
• The World Bank, OECD and FAO issue policies, reports and guidelines but cannot enact binding laws on states.
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) The World Bank
- The World Bank is a lender and cannot enact laws.
- (c) The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
- The OECD issues recommendations, not binding laws.
- (d) The Food and Agriculture Organization
- The FAO sets guidelines; it has no legislative power.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025, held on 25 May 2025. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.