UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2024

One of the following regions has the world's largest tropical peatland, which holds about three years' worth of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels, and whose destruction can contribute to global climate change. Which one of the following denotes that region?

  1. Amazon Basin
  2. Congo Basin
  3. Kikori Basin
  4. Rio de la Plata Basin

Answer

Correct Answer

Congo Basin

Explanation

The Cuvette Centrale peatlands in the Congo Basin form the world's largest known tropical peatland complex. These peatlands store enormous quantities of carbon. Their degradation or drainage could release substantial carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

Topics: biogeography, congo basin peatlands, geography, tropical peatlands