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: (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

Using fewer raw materials (less mining and processing) and wasting less (less landfill methane, less production) both cut emissions.

The idea

The usual economy is a straight line: take raw material, make a product, throw it away. A circular economy bends that line into a loop: products are designed to last, be repaired, reused and finally recycled, so the material stays in use.

Less raw material is mined and processed → less energy used → Less waste is produced → less burning and less landfill methane → Both lower greenhouse gas emissions

Why the others are wrong

(b) Both II and III are reasons for I.

The trap

“Only one of them explains” (b) tempts the careful. Here both routes cut emissions.

Also know

Getting metal from scrap needs far less energy than from ore: recycled aluminium needs only about 5% of the energy. India’s steps: extended producer responsibility for plastic, e-waste, batteries and tyres, and the vehicle scrappage policy.