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.