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UPSC Notes

Methane Emissions and Mitigation Strategies

PYQs

14

Articles

2

Momentum

35

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.

Key Pollutants

Include methane, black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and tropospheric ozone.

Atmospheric Lifetime

Remain in the atmosphere for days to decades, much shorter than CO2.

Mitigation Benefit

Reducing SLCPs can slow global warming relatively quickly in the short to medium term.

Policy Approach

Often require sector-specific agreements due to diverse sources and mitigation challenges.

Reference table

Key Short-Lived Climate Pollutants

PollutantPrimary Sources
MethaneOil & gas operations, agriculture (livestock), waste
Black CarbonIncomplete combustion (diesel engines, cooking fuels)
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)Refrigeration, air conditioning
Tropospheric OzonePrecursor gases from industrial/vehicle emissions

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaAir Pollution
Conceptual areaGreenhouse Gas Emissions
Conceptual areaClimate Change Mitigation

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)Highlights methane's role in warming
Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC)Promotes action
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: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change is frequently discussed in global discussions on sustaina...

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

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
2025Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change is frequently discussed in global discussions on sustaina...

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

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
2025Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change is frequently discussed in global discussions on sustaina...

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

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
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

Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide?

Environment & EcologyOpen question

“Climate Action Tracker" which emission reduction pledges of different countries is a:

Environment & EcologyOpen question

"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
2022Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide?

Environment & EcologyOpen question

“Climate Action Tracker" which emission reduction pledges of different countries is a:

Environment & EcologyOpen question

"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
2022Conceptual understanding, Terminology-based question

Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide?

Environment & EcologyOpen question

“Climate Action Tracker" which emission reduction pledges of different countries is a:

Environment & EcologyOpen question

"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

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

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

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

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

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

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2019Statement-based questions, Multi-statement analysis

Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of ‘methane hydrate’? 1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these ...

Environment & EcologyOpen question

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
2019Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of ‘methane hydrate’? 1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these ...

Environment & EcologyOpen question

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
2017Multi-statement analysis, 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

With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an initiative of the European Union. 2. It ...

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

With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an initiative of the European Union. 2. It ...

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2016Statement-based questions, Factual recall

With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Agreement was signed by all...

Environment & EcologyOpen question

Topic timeline

Air PollutionGreenhouse Gas EmissionsClimate Change Mitigation
Prelims 2016· Statement-based questions, Factual recall

With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Agreement was signed by all...

Open question
Prelims 2017· Multi-statement analysis, 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

With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an initiative of the European Union. 2. It ...

Open question
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

With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an initiative of the European Union. 2. It ...

Open question
Prelims 2019· Statement-based questions, Multi-statement analysis

Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of ‘methane hydrate’? 1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these ...

Open question

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 2019· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of ‘methane hydrate’? 1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these ...

Open question

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide?

Open question

“Climate Action Tracker" which emission reduction pledges of different countries is a:

Open question

"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 2022· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide?

Open question

“Climate Action Tracker" which emission reduction pledges of different countries is a:

Open question

"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 2022· Conceptual understanding, Terminology-based question

Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide?

Open question

“Climate Action Tracker" which emission reduction pledges of different countries is a:

Open question

"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: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change is frequently discussed in global discussions on sustaina...

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

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
Prelims 2025· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change is frequently discussed in global discussions on sustaina...

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

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
Prelims 2025· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change is frequently discussed in global discussions on sustaina...

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

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

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

The Kigali Amendment at 10: Why India’s cooling choices matter

15 Oct 2026 · SLCPs are potent, short-lived climate agents like methane and HFCs, whose rapid reduction offers a crucial pathway to quickly slow global warming, complementing long-term CO2 cuts.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Methane Emissions and Mitigation Strategies

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 14 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.

With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Agreement was signed by all...

2016·Environment & Ecology
Solve

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

Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of ‘methane hydrate’? 1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these ...

2019·Environment & Ecology
Solve

With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an initiative of the European Union. 2. It ...

2017·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide?

2022·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change is frequently discussed in global discussions on sustaina...

2025·Environment & Ecology
Solve

“Climate Action Tracker" which emission reduction pledges of different countries is a:

2022·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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

2024·Environment & Ecology
Solve

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