General Studies 2022 GS Paper III 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Discuss

Q17

Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. (Answer in 250 words) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

ग्लोबल वार्मिंग (वैश्विक तापन) की चर्चा कीजिए और वैश्विक जलवायु पर इसके प्रभावों का उल्लेख कीजिए। क्योटो प्रोटोकॉल, 1997 के आलोक में ग्लोबल वार्मिंग का कारण बनने वाली ग्रीनहाउस गैसों के स्तर को कम करने के लिए नियंत्रण उपायों को समझाइए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

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Directive word: Discuss

This question asks you to discuss. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'discuss' requires a balanced examination of global warming, its climate effects, and Kyoto Protocol-based control measures. Structure as: brief introduction defining global warming and GHGs; body covering climate effects (temperature rise, extreme events, sea-level rise), then Kyoto mechanisms (emissions trading, CDM, JI, national commitments) with Indian context; conclusion on post-Kyoto challenges like Paris Agreement and India's net-zero targets.

Key points expected

Clear definition of global warming and distinction from climate change, with major GHGs (CO2, CH4, N2O, CFCs) identified
Specific climate effects: rising global temperatures, melting glaciers/Himalayan impact, sea-level rise threatening Indian coastal cities, extreme weather events (cyclones, droughts), ocean acidification
Kyoto Protocol 1997 provisions: Annex I vs non-Annex I countries, binding emission reduction targets, flexibility mechanisms (CDM, JI, emissions trading)
India's position: non-Annex I status, CDM benefits (renewable energy projects), later voluntary commitments under Paris Agreement
Control measures: renewable energy transition, carbon pricing, afforestation (India's CAMPA), energy efficiency (BEE standards), international technology transfer
Critical assessment: Kyoto's limitations (US non-ratification, limited developing country obligations) and evolution to Paris Agreement

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	15%	2.25	Demonstrates 'discuss' by presenting multiple perspectives on global warming causes, varied climate impacts across regions, and balanced critique of Kyoto's effectiveness rather than mere description	Covers all three components (warming, effects, Kyoto) but treats them sequentially without integration; misses the analytical 'discuss' element	Misinterprets directive as 'describe' or 'list'; provides only definitions and bullet points without examination of interconnections
Content depth & accuracy	25%	3.75	Scientifically accurate on GHG mechanisms; precise on Kyoto's three flexibility mechanisms and India's CDM experience; mentions 1.5°C/2°C targets; correct on India's 2070 net-zero commitment	Generally accurate but conflates Kyoto with Paris Agreement; vague on flexibility mechanisms; minor errors in temperature rise data or GHG percentages	Fundamental errors: confuses ozone depletion with global warming, misstates Kyoto as legally binding for all countries, or invents non-existent provisions
Structure & flow	20%	3	Logical progression: definition → causes → effects → Kyoto framework → control measures → critical evaluation; smooth transitions between scientific and policy dimensions within 250 words	Covers all parts but with abrupt shifts; either over-weights effects (60%+) or Kyoto details; conclusion feels appended rather than integrated	Disorganised or incomplete structure; missing either effects or control measures; word count severely imbalanced (e.g., 150 words on effects, 20 on Kyoto)
Examples / case-law / data	20%	3	Specific Indian data: 1.5°C temperature rise projection for India (IPCC), Mumbai/ Chennai sea-level threats, National Solar Mission under CDM, India's 33-35% emission intensity reduction target; mentions UNFCCC COP locations	Generic global data only (global temperature rise, Arctic melting) without Indian specificity; or mentions India without concrete schemes/data	No data or examples; or irrelevant examples (Montreal Protocol, Chipko movement); factually wrong data
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	3	Synthesises Kyoto's legacy (pioneering but inadequate) with current challenges; critically notes CBDR-RC principle tensions; forward-looking on India's balancing act between development and climate action	Summarises main points without synthesis; generic statement on 'need for global cooperation'; no critical reflection on Kyoto's actual impact	Missing conclusion; or purely descriptive ending; or unrelated moralistic statement on environment protection

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