Physics Wallah

Important Topics for Environment & Ecology for UPSC Mains 2025

Important Topics for Environment & Ecology for UPSC Mains 2025 covers key areas such as climate change, environmental conservation, biodiversity, pollution, etc. Ensure to focus on important topics for Environment & Ecology for UPSC Mains 2025.
authorImageSheetal Gaur6 Jun, 2025
Share

Share

Important Topics for Environment & Ecology for UPSC Mains 2025

 

Important Topics for Environment & Ecology for UPSC Mains 2025: Environment and Ecology have become increasingly significant in the UPSC Mains Examination, especially with the growing emphasis on climate change, sustainability, and environmental governance. In the Mains General Studies Paper III, questions often test a candidate's understanding of ecological concepts, current environmental issues, government initiatives, and international efforts to combat environmental degradation.

A strong command over this section will help in scoring better; thus, revising important topics for Environment & Ecology for UPSC Mains 2025 is essential. Keep reading to know key environment topics and strategies to qualify for the exam. Also, explore the Environment & Ecology Mains PYQs to analyze trends for the upcoming exam.

Important Topics for Environment & Ecology for UPSC Mains 2025

To effectively prepare for the important topics for Environment & Ecology for UPSC Mains 2025, the candidates must focus on the specific areas that have been covered in the previous year's exams. These areas concern both theoretical and practical aspects and current issues. The table below has the list of the most important topics for Environment & Ecology for UPSC Mains 2025, on which the candidates must focus to ensure a well-rounded preparation for the Environment & Ecology section.
Important Topic for Environment & Ecology for UPSC Mains 2025
Topics Subtopics
Biodiversity and Conservation
  • Importance of biodiversity
  • Threats to biodiversity
  • Conservation strategies
  • Protected areas (national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves)
Climate Change and Global Warming
  • Causes and effects of climate change
  • International agreements (Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol)
  • Mitigation and adaptation strategies
  • Role of IPCC and other global organizations
Environmental Pollution and Control
  • Types of pollution (air, water, soil, noise)
  • Sources and effects of pollution
  • Pollution control measures and legislation
  • Role of technology in pollution control
Sustainable Development and Environmental Governance
  • Principles of sustainable development
  • Global and national policies for sustainable development
  • Role of international organizations (UNEP, World Bank)
  • Environmental impact assessment (EIA)
Natural Resources and Their Management
  • Types of natural resources (renewable and non-renewable)
  • Resource management strategies
  • Issues related to over-exploitation of resources
  • Role of technology in resource conservation
General Issues on Environmental Ecology
  • Ecological terms like ecotone, ecological niche, and ecosystem
  • Effects of environmental deterioration and its impact on human beings
  • The food chain in the ecosystem
Pollution
  • Acid rain
  • Photochemical smog
  • Greenhouse gases (GHGs)
  • Ozone hole
  • Algal bloom
Ecologically Sensitive Areas
  • Western Ghats
  • Himalayas
Laws, Regulatory Bodies, and Policies
  • Environment Protection Act
  • Forest Right Act
  • National Biodiversity Authority
  • Protocols and summits like the Cartagena Protocol, Nagoya Protocol, and Lima Conference
Intergovernmental Organizations, Treaties, and Conventions
  • Ramsar Convention
  • Montreux Record
  • The three Rio Conventions: Convention on Biological Diversity (CoB), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Current Affairs Based
  • Energy efficiency in ICT infrastructure
  • Water-use efficiency in agriculture
  • Agro-ecological and policy-based solutions
  • UNICEF and global climate vulnerability reports
  • Sunderlal Bahuguna’s principle: “Ecology is the permanent economy”
  • IMO’s climate measures in the maritime sector

Study Tips for Environment & Ecology for UPSC Mains 2025

Here we have provided study tips on how you can use important topics for the Environment & Ecology to prepare effectively for UPSC Mains 2025:
  • Focus on Current Affairs
    • Stay updated with the latest developments in environmental policies, treaties, and global initiatives. Candidates should follow current affairs on PW OnlyIAS for comprehensive preparation.
    • Read newspapers, magazines, and online portals regularly, or for more in-depth insights, read PW Only IAS Prahaar Mains Booklets .
  • Refer to Standard Textbooks
    • Use NCERT books to lay a good foundation in Environment & Ecology.
    • Refer to advanced books like " UPSC Environment & Ecology Book " by Physics Wallah and "Prelims Wallah (Static) 2025 Environment and Ecology (Hindi)" by Physics Wallah.
  • Practice Answer Writing
    • Develop the practice of writing concise and structured answers.
    • Use diagrams, flowcharts, and case studies to enhance your answer writing .
  • Analyze PYQs
    • Review the Environment & Ecology Mains PYQs to understand the question pattern and important areas for the upcoming exam.
    • Practice writing answers to these questions within the time limit.
  • Join Test Series
    • Enroll in a good test series to evaluate your preparation.
    • Regularly attempt mock tests and work on feedback to improve.

Important Environment & Ecology Mains PYQs 

Analyzing Environment & Ecology Mains PYQs helps the candidates to identify the frequently asked questions and important topics and answer them efficiently. This insightful process enhances the focus of candidates and helps them to actualize the questions that may appear. Here are some of the questions from the previous year:

Environment & Ecology Mains PYQs

Year Questions Word Limit Marks

 2024

 Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government’s initiatives in this regard.

  150 Words

  10 Marks

 2024

 What role do environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India? Cite four examples with all important details.

  150 Words

  10 Marks

 2024

The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater. What are the alternative technologies which can solve this crisis? Briefly discuss any three such technologies citing their key merits and demerits.

250 Words

  15 Marks

2023

What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?

150 Words

 10 Marks

2023

Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the Government of India and name a few India’s wetlands of international importance included in the Ramsar Sites.

250 Words

15 Marks

2023

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region?

250 Words

15 Marks

2022

Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol.

150 Words

10 Marks

2022

Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard?

250 Words

15 Marks

2022

Discuss global warming and mention its effects on global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gasses which cause global warming in the light of the Kyoto Protocol 1997.

250 Words

15 Marks

2021

Describe the major outcome of the 26th session of the Conference of Parties [COP] to the United Nations Framework conversation on climate change [UNFCCC]. What are the commitments made by India in this conference

250 Words

15 Marks

2021

Q.2 Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard?

250 Words

15 Marks

2021

Q.3 Discuss global warming and mention its effects on global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gasses which cause global warming in the light of the Kyoto Protocol 1997.

250 Words

15 Marks

Click Here for solved Environment and Ecology Questions

Click Here to Download Free High-Quality Solutions for all UPSC Mains PYQs for 2025.
It is necessary to focus on key areas, analyse Environment & Ecology Mains PYQs, and stay updated with current affairs. By doing this, candidates can effectively prepare for Environment & Ecology Topics for Mains 2024.

To access the study material for the UPSC Mains 2025, join the UPSC courses offered by Physics Wallah now!

Important Topics for Environment & Ecology for UPSC Mains 2025 FAQs

What are some important topics to focus on for Environment & Ecology in UPSC Mains 2025?

For UPSC Mains 2025, candidates should focus on key areas like biodiversity conservation, climate change, environmental pollution control, sustainable development, and natural resource management.

Why are Previous Year Questions (PYQs) important for Environment & Ecology preparation?

Environment & Ecology Mains PYQs help candidates understand the question pattern, important topics, and the depth of knowledge required for the exam.

What are some common themes in Environment & Ecology PYQs?

Common themes include climate change impacts, biodiversity conservation, pollution control measures, sustainable development goals (SDGs), and global environmental agreements.

How should I approach answer writing for Environment & Ecology questions in UPSC Mains?

Practice writing structured answers with clear introductions, logical flow of arguments, and relevant examples. Use diagrams, flowcharts, and case studies to enhance clarity and presentation.

What is the role of current affairs in Environment & Ecology preparation?

Staying updated with recent developments in environmental policies, international agreements, and major environmental events is crucial. This knowledge helps in providing context and relevance to your answers in the exam.
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Point IconLive & recorded classes available at ease
Point IconDashboard for progress tracking
Point IconMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Download ButtonDownload Button
Banner Image
Banner Image
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.