UPSC Mains 2025 GS1 Q4 — Climate Change
How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discuss
- Scope keywords
- climate changesea level risevery existencemany island nations
- Implicit sub-parts
- The physical mechanisms of land loss (inundation, erosion, saltwater intrusion).
- The legal and political implications of losing sovereignty or 'statehood' if land disappears.
- The socio-economic collapse preceding total submergence (loss of freshwater, tourism, and habitability).
- Global initiatives and adaptation strategies specific to SIDS (Small Island Developing States).
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing only on physical submergence while ignoring the loss of 'exclusive economic zones' (EEZ) and maritime rights.
- Spending too many words on the causes of climate change (GHG emissions) instead of the 'existence' consequences.
- Failing to name specific nations like Kiribati, Tuvalu, or Maldives, making the answer too theoretical.
- Ignoring the 'climate refugee' crisis and the lack of international legal status for displaced islanders.
- Dimensions required
- GeographicalGeopolitical/LegalEconomicDemographic/Humanitarian
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 30 words to the mechanism of sea-level rise, 80 words to the multi-dimensional threats to existence (physical, legal, and economic) with specific examples, and 40 words to the international response and the concept of 'sovereignty without territory'.
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