Question
UPSC Prelims 2024 Question:
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 4: Power plants using fossil fuels
Detailed Solution
Explanation:
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a colorless, reactive air pollutant with a strong odor. This gas can be a threat to human health, animal health & plant life. The gas contributes to the formation of acid rain and in high concentrations can cause respiratory problems.
- The largest source of SO2 in the atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels by power plants and other industrial facilities. Smaller sources of SO2 emissions include: industrial processes such as extracting metal from ore; natural sources such as volcanoes; & locomotives, ships & other equipment that burn fuel with a high sulfur content.
- According to a report by Greenpeace (an environmental Non-Governmental Organization), India is the largest emitter of Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) in the world, contributing more than 15% of global anthropogenic emissions.
Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.
Subject: Environment | Pollution
Latest UPSC Exam 2026 Updates
Last updated on February, 2026
