UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

One of the GBF targets calls for reducing incentives harmful to biodiversity, including subsidies, by at least US$500 billion per year by 2030. The idea is to reorient public support away from activities that degrade ecosystems towards practices that conserve and restore nature. This includes reforming agricultural, fisheries and other sectoral subsidies that drive habitat loss or overexploitation. At the same time, the framework encourages the expansion of positive incentives for sustainable use and conservation. (UNEP - UN Environment Programme)

Option A:
This option reverses the intent of the target by suggesting an increase in harmful subsidies. The framework seeks to reduce and repurpose such incentives, not expand them.

Option B:
This option correctly states the essence of the target: identifying and reforming harmful subsidies to free up at least US$500 billion annually for more sustainable uses. It also notes the parallel need to strengthen positive incentives, which is central to the GBF’s approach.

Option C:
Shifting all subsidies from agriculture to fossil fuels would intensify both biodiversity loss and climate change. The GBF does not propose such a move; instead, it urges reform across sectors, including fossil fuels.

Option D:
The GBF is a global framework and applies to all parties, not only to high-income countries. While responsibilities may differ, restricting reforms only to rich countries would miss substantial harmful subsidies elsewhere.