Question map
"Climate Action Tracker" which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a:
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 1.
The Climate Action Tracker (CAT) is an independent scientific analysis produced by a coalition of two key research organisations: Climate Analytics and the NewClimate Institute. It has been tracking climate action since 2009, quantifying the impact of government pledges and targets under the Paris Agreement.
- Why Option 1 is correct: It is a non-governmental, independent scientific project. It operates by aggregating data from various countries to assess whether they are on track to meet the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C.
- Why other options are incorrect: CAT is not affiliated with the IPCC (Option 2), which is a UN body for assessing climate science, nor is it a formal committee under the UNFCCC (Option 3). Furthermore, it is not an agency financed by the World Bank or UNEP (Option 4), as it maintains independence to provide unbiased critiques of governmental policies.
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full viewThis question exposes the gap between 'Static Environment' and 'Dynamic Climate Politics'. While standard books cover the formal IPCC/UNFCCC structure, they miss independent watchdogs. The key strategy is realizing that UN bodies rarely 'rate' or 'track' individual country pledges aggressively due to diplomatic protocols; that is usually the job of independent research coalitions.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Statement 1: Is the Climate Action Tracker a database created by a coalition of research organisations?
- Statement 2: Is the Climate Action Tracker a wing of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)?
- Statement 3: Is the Climate Action Tracker a committee under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)?
- Statement 4: Is the Climate Action Tracker an agency promoted and financed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Bank?
- Explicitly names multiple research teams as providing the Climate Action Tracker project (Ecofys, Climate Analytics and PIK).
- Describes the project as an independent science-based assessment that tracks emissions—consistent with a research coalition producing shared data.
- Identifies organisations associated with the Climate Action Tracker (Climate Analytics and NewClimate Institute).
- Shows the tracker is produced/maintained by named research organisations rather than a single entity.
- Describes CAT as an "independent scientific project" that "tracks government climate action", implying a research-oriented data effort.
- Supports the idea that CAT compiles and presents data created by research actors.
Gives a clear example that 'electronic databases' are used to track greenhouse‑gas related transactions and mechanisms in the climate domain.
A student could infer that similarly named climate 'trackers' might be electronic databases and then check whether Climate Action Tracker functions as such a tracking database.
Describes the 'Climate Equity Monitor' as an online dashboard for assessing international climate action, showing that monitoring databases/dashboards are produced for policy assessment.
Use this example to reason that the Climate Action Tracker could likewise be an online monitoring tool and then verify its format and provenance.
Describes INCCA as a network‑based programme of over 100 institutions and 200 scientists, illustrating that coalitions/networks of research organisations produce climate assessments.
From this, a student could consider whether Climate Action Tracker might be produced by a similar network of research organisations and then look for evidence of institutional collaborators.
Mentions building alliances and partnerships through global collaboration in research & technology development on climate change, showing that collaborative research arrangements are common.
A student could apply this pattern to expect collaborative authorship of major climate databases and then check the Climate Action Tracker's listed partners or authorship.
Gives an example of a climate project launched jointly by national and international bodies, indicating multi‑organisation initiatives create analytical tools for climate action.
Use this as support for the idea that databases/analytical tools often result from multi‑organisation projects and then search for whether the Climate Action Tracker was established by multiple research bodies.
Describes how the IPCC was established by UNEP and WMO, is hosted at WMO, and is an intergovernmental body open to UN/WMO members.
A student could check whether Climate Action Tracker is described as part of UNEP/WMO/IPCC structures or listed among UN/WMO member bodies to assess institutional linkage.
States the IPCC's role is to survey scientific literature and publish assessment reports as the authoritative scientific source.
Compare the mission and outputs of Climate Action Tracker (e.g., regular policy/tracking reports) with the IPCC’s assessment role to see if their functions and output types match an internal 'wing' relationship.
Specifies IPCC responsibilities (developing inventory methods, assessing literature, quantifying uncertainties), indicating technical, consensus-oriented functions.
Use this to judge whether a group that produces near‑real‑time tracking or ratings (like a 'tracker') fits the IPCC’s described mandate or is more likely an independent analyst.
Mentions the Climate Equity Monitor as a separate online dashboard for monitoring countries’ climate performance, showing that monitoring tools exist independently of the IPCC.
A student could treat Climate Action Tracker as analogous to the Climate Equity Monitor and check whether such dashboards are independently hosted or part of IPCC structures.
Gives an example of an analytical project (Decarbonizing Transport) run by national/international organizations outside IPCC, illustrating many climate-analytics initiatives are separate entities.
Extend by investigating whether Climate Action Tracker is an independent research/NGO project or an IPCC program by looking at its stated funders/hosts.
Shows that the three Rio conventions use formal secretariats and a Joint Liaison Group to coordinate—UNFCCC secretariat and formal inter-secretariat bodies exist.
A student could check whether Climate Action Tracker is listed as part of the UNFCCC secretariat or Joint Liaison Group (would indicate formal UNFCCC status) or instead appears as an external actor.
Describes 'Momentum for Change' as a UNFCCC secretariat initiative that presents awards—example of a named UNFCCC initiative distinct from committees.
Compare whether Climate Action Tracker is described similarly as a UNFCCC 'initiative' or as an independent project/NGO to judge institutional linkage.
References the launch of specific UNFCCC bodies (Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform) showing UNFCCC creates formal working groups/committees for treaty negotiation.
Use this pattern to see if Climate Action Tracker appears on lists of UNFCCC working groups/COP bodies (would support it being internal) or not (suggesting external status).
Gives Green Climate Fund as an example of a mechanism adopted as a UNFCCC financial mechanism—shows UNFCCC can formally adopt entities/mechanisms.
A student could check whether Climate Action Tracker was 'adopted' or administered by UNFCCC (like GCF) or whether it is independent, aiding classification.
Notes UNFCCC has near-universal membership and Parties meet at COP to negotiate multilateral responses—indicates UNFCCC's formal institutional structure (Parties, COP).
Use this to test if Climate Action Tracker is referenced in COP decisions or party documents (would imply formal UNFCCC committee status) versus being cited by external analyses.
- Identifies the Climate Action Tracker (CAT) as belonging to Climate Analytics and the NewClimate Institute, not UNEP or the World Bank.
- Describes CAT's role (quantification of country policies), indicating it is a research/tracker product of those institutes.
Defines UNEP as the leading global environmental authority that sets agendas and promotes implementation — showing UNEP often plays a promotional/advocacy role for environmental initiatives.
A student could use this pattern to check whether UNEP typically 'promotes' external tracking initiatives (like Climate Action Tracker) by searching UNEP publications or partnership lists for the Tracker's name.
Shows UNEP co‑created major scientific bodies (IPCC) with other organizations (WMO), indicating UNEP sometimes helps establish or support independent scientific/policy bodies.
One could extend this by looking for founding/partnership statements for the Climate Action Tracker to see if UNEP (or similar agencies) are listed as co‑founders or supporters.
Describes the World Bank administering significant climate finance instruments (Clean Technology Fund) — showing the Bank often acts as financier/administrator for climate programs.
Use this pattern to investigate whether the World Bank channels funds to organizations like the Climate Action Tracker by checking World Bank trust fund portfolios and funding recipients.
Gives an example (UN‑REDD) of multiple UN agencies (including UNEP) collaborating to establish a multi‑donor trust fund — illustrating that UN agencies sometimes collaborate with financiers to set up funded programs.
A student could search multi‑agency trust fund records or donor lists to see if the Climate Action Tracker is listed as a funded program or partner of such UN‑administered funds.
Notes UNEP's role in providing funding (via GEF collaboration) to protect the global environment, indicating UNEP can be involved in funding mechanisms.
This suggests checking GEF/UNEP funding disbursement records or partnership announcements for mention of the Climate Action Tracker to test whether UNEP finances it.
- [THE VERDICT]: Current Affairs Trap. Not in Shankar IAS directly. Solvable only if you followed COP summit news coverage where CAT ratings (e.g., 'India is 2°C compatible') are frequently cited.
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: NDC Monitoring & Accountability. The Paris Agreement requires pledges (NDCs), but who checks if they are enough?
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize these non-UN trackers vs UN Reports: Climate Change Performance Index (Germanwatch), Climate Equity Monitor (Indian Govt backed), Global Carbon Project, Emissions Gap Report (UNEP - Official), Greenhouse Gas Bulletin (WMO - Official).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Classify entities by function. If it 'rates/ranks' countries (e.g., 'India is doing well, USA is failing'), it is likely an NGO/Research Coalition. If it 'facilitates negotiation' or 'funds projects', it is likely UN/WB.
Dashboards consolidate national and international emissions, equity metrics and policy performance for comparative assessment.
High-yield for UPSC because dashboards are practical instruments for tracking NDCs, policy effectiveness and international comparisons; links to climate governance, reporting and accountability topics in GS Paper 3 and Essay papers. Understanding this aids answers on monitoring mechanisms and evidence-based policy evaluation.
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 23: India and Climate Change > 23.5. CLIMATE EQUITY MONITOR > p. 307
Networks of institutions and scientists are established to produce coordinated climate assessments and inform policy decisions.
Important for questions on the science–policy interface, capacity-building and institutional frameworks; connects to topics on state-led research initiatives, international collaboration and domestic climate policy formulation, enabling analysis of governance and implementation challenges.
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 23: India and Climate Change > 23.7.INDIAN NETWORK ON CLIMATE CHANGE ASSESSMENT > p. 309
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 23: India and Climate Change > Mission Objectives > p. 306
Registries are electronic systems that record transactions under emissions trading schemes and mechanisms like the Clean Development Mechanism.
Crucial for understanding market-based mitigation instruments, international mechanisms under UNFCCC and carbon accounting; helps answer questions on carbon markets, transparency frameworks and policy instruments for mitigation.
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > Registries, registry systenns > p. 427
The IPCC was established by UNEP and WMO in 1988 to provide governments a clear scientific view of the world's climate and to publish authoritative assessment reports.
High-yield for UPSC: explains institutional origin and primary mandate, useful for questions on global climate governance and for distinguishing roles of various climate bodies. Connects to syllabus areas on international institutions, environmental policy, and treaty processes.
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) > p. 426
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > i:r Efil{r=t#$.fificfl$ s!:J > p. 340
The IPCC surveys global scientific literature and publishes widely recognized assessment reports while remaining independent of the UNFCCC.
Important for aspirants to evaluate claims about organizational authority and affiliations in climate issues; helps answer questions comparing advisory bodies versus treaty secretariats and assessing credibility of scientific synthesis.
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) > p. 426
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > z4.zr.z. The Panel decided: > p. 342
UNEP and WMO jointly created and support the IPCC, and the IPCC secretariat is hosted and coordinated with these agencies.
Useful to understand inter-agency roles and hosting arrangements in international environmental institutions; helps in questions on institutional partnerships, administrative arrangements, and the architecture of climate governance.
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > i:r Efil{r=t#$.fificfl$ s!:J > p. 340
UNFCCC was established as a multilateral legal instrument at the 1992 Earth Summit and forms the treaty basis for climate governance.
High-yield: clarifies that climate governance rests on a treaty framework, which helps distinguish treaty bodies from independent organisations; links to international law, treaty obligations, and institutional structures frequently asked in UPSC mains and prelims.
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > Rio Conventinns > p. 427
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > 24.1. UNFCCC > p. 321
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 21: Sustainable Development and Climate Change > THE EARTH SUMMIT > p. 597
Climate Equity Monitor (CEM). Launched by India to counter the western bias of CAT. Unlike CAT, CEM focuses on 'Carbon Budgets' and 'Historical Responsibility'. If CAT is the Western watchdog, CEM is the Global South's rebuttal.
The 'Diplomatic Immunity' Logic. UN bodies (IPCC, UNFCCC) operate on consensus. They rarely publish 'Trackers' that explicitly shame specific countries or rate their pledges as 'insufficient' in real-time, as that causes diplomatic friction. 'Tracking' and 'Rating' is almost always the domain of independent Research Coalitions (Option A).
GS-2 (Global Groupings) & GS-3 (Environment): The clash between CAT (Western metrics) and India's stance (Equity/CBDR) highlights the 'North-South Divide' in climate justice. Use CAT data to show pressure on India, and CEM data to defend India's position in Mains answers.