Consider the following statements:
- Statement-I: Circular economy reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases.
- Statement-II: Circular economy reduces the use of raw materials as inputs.
- Statement-III: Circular economy reduces wastage in the production process.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
A circular economy keeps materials in use through reuse, repair and recycling instead of the 'take–make–dispose' model. Using fewer fresh raw materials cuts the energy spent extracting and processing them, and cutting waste cuts the emissions from producing and disposing of it, so both II and III explain the fall in greenhouse gas emissions.
- ✓ Statement-I The European Parliament lists a reduction in total annual greenhouse gas emissions among the benefits of a circular economy.
- ✓ Statement-II Reusing and recycling products slows the use of natural resources, so fewer virgin raw materials are needed; this lowers emissions from mining and processing.
- ✓ Statement-III Better design and efficient production reduce waste and the energy and resources consumed, which also lowers emissions.
Remember · Circular economy = reduce, reuse, repair, recycle. Fewer raw materials and less waste mean less energy use and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Sources
- European Parliament, Circular economy: definition, importance and benefits (2023) ↗ “Parliament wants Europeans to switch to a circular economy by using raw materials more efficiently and reducing waste. … Another benefit from the circular economy is a reduction in total annual greenhouse gas emissions. Creating more efficient and sustainable products from the start would help to reduce energy and resource consumption”
Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2025, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·