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Methane Emissions and Mitigation Strategies

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC focuses on specific greenhouse gases, their sources, impacts, and mitigation efforts, especially in the context of India's environmental policy and international commitments.

Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas, second only to carbon dioxide in its contribution to global warming. It has a shorter atmospheric lifetime but a much higher global warming potential over a 20-year period. Anthropogenic sources include agriculture (livestock, rice cultivation), fossil fuel production (oil, gas, coal), and waste management.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Contribution to Warming

Methane is responsible for approximately 0.5°C of current global warming.

Near-term Impact

Reducing methane is considered the most effective near-term strategy to slow warming.

Global Methane Pledge

The Global Methane Pledge aims to cut anthropogenic methane by at least 30% below 2020 levels by 2030.

India's Stance

Over 155 countries have joined the pledge; India is not a signatory.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaGreenhouse Gas Emissions
Conceptual areaClimate Change Mitigation

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)Highlights methane's role in warming
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Methane: potent GHG, 0.5°C warming.
  • Key for near-term warming slowdown.
  • Global Methane Pledge: 30% cut by 2030.
  • India not a signatory.
  • Sources: agriculture, fossil fuels, waste.

High-confidence PYQs

2025Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Studies indicate that carbon dioxide emissions from cement industry account for more than 5% of global carbo...

Environment & EcologyOpen question

Consider the following statements: I. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂/capita. II. In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combus...

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2025Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Studies indicate that carbon dioxide emissions from cement industry account for more than 5% of global carbo...

Environment & EcologyOpen question

Consider the following statements: I. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂/capita. II. In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combus...

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2024Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions?

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2022Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

"System of Rice Intensification" of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practised, results in: 1. Reduced seed requirement ...

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2021Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following? 1. Brakes of moto...

Environment & EcologyOpen question

With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements: 1. It is a product of oil refineries. 2. Some industries use it to generate power. 3. Its ...

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2021Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following? 1. Brakes of moto...

Environment & EcologyOpen question

With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements: 1. It is a product of oil refineries. 2. Some industries use it to generate power. 3. Its ...

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2019Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

Consider the following: 1. Carbon monoxide 2. Methane 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide Which of the above are released into the atmosphere due to the burning of ...

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2017Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group o...

Environment & EcologyOpen question

Topic timeline

Greenhouse Gas EmissionsClimate Change Mitigation
Prelims 2017· Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group o...

Open question
Prelims 2019· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

Consider the following: 1. Carbon monoxide 2. Methane 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide Which of the above are released into the atmosphere due to the burning of ...

Open question
Prelims 2021· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following? 1. Brakes of moto...

Open question

With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements: 1. It is a product of oil refineries. 2. Some industries use it to generate power. 3. Its ...

Open question
Prelims 2021· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following? 1. Brakes of moto...

Open question

With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements: 1. It is a product of oil refineries. 2. Some industries use it to generate power. 3. Its ...

Open question
Prelims 2022· Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

"System of Rice Intensification" of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practised, results in: 1. Reduced seed requirement ...

Open question
Prelims 2024· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions?

Open question
Prelims 2025· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Studies indicate that carbon dioxide emissions from cement industry account for more than 5% of global carbo...

Open question

Consider the following statements: I. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂/capita. II. In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combus...

Open question
Prelims 2025· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Studies indicate that carbon dioxide emissions from cement industry account for more than 5% of global carbo...

Open question

Consider the following statements: I. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂/capita. II. In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combus...

Open question

Warning on warming: On the UNEP report, Limiting Overshoot

05 Sep 2026 · Methane is a potent GHG; its reduction is key for near-term warming slowdown, with international pledges like the Global Methane Pledge driving action.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Methane Emissions and Mitigation Strategies

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Methane Emissions and Mitigation Strategies in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

See Mains PYQsEvaluate an answer

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Methane Emissions and Mitigation Strategies

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Consider the following statements: 1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group o...

2017·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Studies indicate that carbon dioxide emissions from cement industry account for more than 5% of global carbo...

2025·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Consider the following statements: I. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂/capita. II. In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combus...

2025·Environment & Ecology
Solve

"System of Rice Intensification" of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practised, results in: 1. Reduced seed requirement ...

2022·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Consider the following: 1. Carbon monoxide 2. Methane 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide Which of the above are released into the atmosphere due to the burning of ...

2019·Environment & Ecology
Solve

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions?

2024·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following? 1. Brakes of moto...

2021·Environment & Ecology
Solve

With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements: 1. It is a product of oil refineries. 2. Some industries use it to generate power. 3. Its ...

2021·Environment & Ecology
Solve

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