UPSC Prelims 2014 · Question 66 of 100

UPSC Prelims 2014 question on Global Environment Facility

With reference to 'Global Environment Facility', which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. It serves as financial mechanism for 'Convention on Biological Diversity' and 'United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change'.
  2. It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level.
  3. It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment.
  4. Both (a) and (b)
Show answer

Answer: A. It serves as financial mechanism for 'Convention on Biological Diversity' and 'United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change'.

Verdict

The answer is the first option. The Global Environment Facility serves as the financial mechanism for the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Analysis

The first statement is CORRECT. GEF is an independently operating financial organisation that gives grants for biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, ozone and persistent organic pollutant projects, and it is the designated financial mechanism for several conventions. The second statement is INCORRECT because GEF funds projects rather than conducting scientific research itself, which is what a body like the IPCC does. The third statement is INCORRECT because GEF is not an OECD agency; it is a partnership of member countries with the World Bank as trustee. Since the second statement fails, the fourth option, which combines the first two, also fails.

Source

Global Environment Facility material on what the GEF is.

How to crack it

When option four is both a and b, resolve it by testing b alone, since a is normally the safe true statement placed there to bait the combination. Separately, classify every international environmental body as funder, scientific assessor, or treaty secretariat, because UPSC builds wrong options by moving a body from one category to another. GEF funds, IPCC assesses, UNEP coordinates. The relevant news hook is the running dispute over climate finance.

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