UPSC Prelims 2025Question 90Environment

Which organization has enacted the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss?

Options

(a)The European Union
(b)The World Bank
(c)The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
(d)The Food and Agriculture Organization

Correct answer: a

Decision rule

Only a supranational union with legislative power enacts binding law; financial institutions fund, and UN or OECD bodies issue guidelines, never laws.

Explanation

Correct Answer:

(a) The European Union

Explanation of the Correct Answer

The Nature Restoration Law (NRL) is a legislative initiative enacted by the European Union (EU).
It aims to address climate change and biodiversity loss by setting binding restoration targets for ecosystems across member states.
The law focuses on restoring degraded ecosystems, improving biodiversity, and enhancing carbon sequestration to meet EU climate and environmental goals.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

(b) The World Bank – Incorrect: The World Bank provides funding and technical assistance but does not enact laws.
(c) The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) – Incorrect: OECD is an international economic organization and does not enact binding environmental laws.
(d) The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) – Incorrect: FAO focuses on food security and agriculture but does not enact laws.

Relevant Supplementary Information

Organization	Role
European Union (EU)	Regional political and economic union that enacts binding laws for member states, including environmental legislation like the NRL.
World Bank	Provides financing and expertise for development projects globally.
OECD	Facilitates economic cooperation among member countries; issues guidelines but no laws.
FAO	UN agency focusing on agriculture, food security, and sustainable development.

Related Concepts

Concept	Explanation
Nature Restoration Law	EU’s binding law aiming to restore ecosystems to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.
Climate Change Mitigation	Strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sinks.
Biodiversity Loss	Decline in the variety and variability of life on Earth, impacting ecosystems.

Table: Related Concepts and Terms – Nature Restoration Law and Environmental Organizations

Concept / Term	Explanation / Relevance
Nature Restoration Law (NRL)	A binding legislative framework enacted by the European Union aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.
European Union (EU)	A political and economic union of 27 European countries that enacts binding laws for member states, including environmental regulations like the NRL.
Climate Change Mitigation	Actions aimed at reducing or preventing emission of greenhouse gases to limit global warming.
Biodiversity Loss	The decline in the variety of life forms on Earth, threatening ecosystem stability and services.
World Bank	An international financial institution that provides funding and technical support for development and environmental projects globally.
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)	An international organization promoting policies that improve economic and social well-being; issues guidelines but does not enact laws.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)	A UN agency focused on defeating hunger, improving agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, and promoting sustainable practices.
Ecosystem Restoration	Activities aimed at recovering degraded, damaged, or destroyed ecosystems to their natural state.
Environmental Legislation	Laws and regulations designed to protect the environment and promote sustainability.

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