Test: Environment And Sustainable Development - 2 - UPSC MCQ

Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is an international environmental treaty, signed in 2001 and effective from May 2004, that aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

Factors Contributing to Global Warming:




A: Decrease in cattle production:
- Decreasing cattle production can potentially reduce methane emissions, which is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Methane is produced during digestion in cattle and released through their manure.
- However, it is important to note that the decrease in cattle production alone may not be enough to significantly mitigate global warming as there are other major factors involved.




B: Reforestation:
- Reforestation plays a crucial role in reducing global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis.
- Trees act as carbon sinks, storing the carbon and reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
- Reforestation also helps in preserving biodiversity and preventing soil erosion.




C: Burning of coal and petroleum products:
- The burning of coal and petroleum products, such as gasoline and diesel, releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
- Carbon dioxide is a major contributor to global warming as it traps heat from the sun, leading to an increase in the Earth's temperature.
- The combustion of fossil fuels for electricity generation, transportation, and industrial processes is one of the primary causes of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.




D: Hydrogen gas released in animal waste:
- Animal waste, particularly from livestock, contains hydrogen gas (H2), which is a potent greenhouse gas.
- The release of hydrogen gas from animal waste contributes to global warming, as it has a higher warming potential compared to carbon dioxide.
- Proper management of animal waste, such as anaerobic digestion or composting, can help reduce the release of hydrogen gas and mitigate its impact on global warming.




Conclusion:
Among the given factors, the burning of coal and petroleum products (option C) is the primary contributor to global warming. The release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the combustion of fossil fuels significantly contributes to the increasing concentration of these gases in the atmosphere, leading to global warming. While other factors, such as decrease in cattle production (option A), reforestation (option B), and hydrogen gas released in animal waste (option D), can have some impact on global warming, they are not as significant as the burning of coal and petroleum products.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (“the Convention”), held at Kyoto (Japan) from 1 to 11 December 1997, resulted in an international agreement to fight global warming which called for reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases by industrialised nations

Ozone depletion refers to the phenomenon of reductions in the amount of ozone in the:
There are four layers of the Earth's atmosphere: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and exosphere. Ozone depletion specifically occurs in the stratosphere. Here is a detailed explanation:
Troposphere:
- The troposphere is the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere.
- It is where weather events occur and where most of the Earth's air mass is concentrated.
- Ozone is present in this layer, but its concentration is relatively low compared to the stratosphere.
Exosphere:
- The exosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth's atmosphere.
- It is the layer where atoms and molecules escape into space.
- Ozone concentration is extremely low in this layer.
Mesosphere:
- The mesosphere is the third layer of the Earth's atmosphere, located above the stratosphere.
- It is the layer where meteors burn up upon entry.
- Ozone concentration is very low in this layer.
Stratosphere:
- The stratosphere is the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere, located above the troposphere.
- It contains a high concentration of ozone molecules, which form the ozone layer.
- Ozone in the stratosphere absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, protecting life on Earth.
- Ozone depletion occurs when certain human-made chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), reach the stratosphere and break down ozone molecules.
- These chemicals release chlorine and bromine atoms, which then catalytically destroy ozone molecules.
Therefore, the correct answer is D: Stratosphere.

The Problem of Ozone Depletion: Causes and Solutions
Causes of Ozone Depletion:
- Ozone depletion occurs primarily in the stratosphere, where high levels of certain compounds contribute to the problem.
- The depletion of ozone is mainly caused by the release of human-made chemicals, known as ozone-depleting substances (ODS), into the atmosphere.
Specific Compounds Responsible for Ozone Depletion:
The correct answer choice is D: Chlorine and Bromine. These compounds are primarily responsible for the depletion of ozone in the stratosphere. Here's why:
1. Chlorine:
- Chlorine is released into the atmosphere through the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), such as CFC-11 and CFC-12, which were commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants.
- Once released, CFCs can remain in the atmosphere for several decades.
- In the stratosphere, CFCs are broken down by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, releasing chlorine atoms.
2. Bromine:
- Bromine is released into the atmosphere through the use of halons, such as halon-1211 and halon-1301, which were commonly used in fire extinguishers and fire suppression systems.
- Similar to CFCs, halons can also remain in the atmosphere for an extended period.
- In the stratosphere, halons are broken down by UV radiation, releasing bromine atoms.
Impact of Chlorine and Bromine on Ozone:
- Both chlorine and bromine atoms are highly reactive and can catalytically destroy ozone molecules.
- When released into the stratosphere, these atoms can continuously break down ozone molecules, leading to a reduction in the ozone layer's thickness.
- The loss of ozone in the stratosphere allows more harmful ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation from the sun to reach the Earth's surface, posing serious health and environmental risks.
Solutions to Ozone Depletion:
- The international community recognized the seriousness of the ozone depletion problem and took action to address it.
- The Montreal Protocol, adopted in 1987, is an international treaty that aimed to phase out the production and use of ODSs.
- As a result of the protocol, the production and consumption of most ODSs, including CFCs and halons, have been significantly reduced.
- The ozone layer has shown signs of recovery, and it is expected to fully recover by the middle of the 21st century if the protocol's provisions are upheld.
In conclusion, the problem of ozone depletion in the stratosphere is primarily caused by high levels of chlorine and bromine compounds. These compounds, released from human activities, can catalytically destroy ozone molecules, leading to the thinning of the ozone layer. However, international efforts, such as the Montreal Protocol, have been successful in reducing the production and use of ozone-depleting substances, offering hope for the recovery of the ozone layer.

The correct answer is C: Chlorofluorocarbons.
Explanation:
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a group of chemical compounds that contain carbon, chlorine, and fluorine atoms. They were commonly used in various industrial and consumer applications such as refrigeration, air conditioning, aerosol propellants, and foam-blowing agents. However, their usage has significantly declined due to their harmful effects on the environment.
Here is a detailed explanation of the options:
A: Hydro fluorocarbons
- Hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs) are a different type of chemical compound that replaced CFCs in many applications due to their lower ozone depletion potential.
- HFCs do not contain chlorine atoms, which are responsible for the ozone layer depletion.
B: Ultra fluorocarbons
- There is no such term as "Ultra fluorocarbons" in the context of chemical compounds.
- It is not a recognized term in the field of environmental science.
C: Chlorofluorocarbons
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a group of chemical compounds containing carbon, chlorine, and fluorine atoms.
- CFCs were widely used in the past but have been phased out due to their contribution to ozone depletion.
D: Photo fluorocarbons
- There is no such term as "Photo fluorocarbons" in the context of chemical compounds.
- It is not a recognized term in the field of environmental science.
In conclusion, CFCs stand for Chlorofluorocarbons, which are chemical compounds containing carbon, chlorine, and fluorine atoms. They have been phased out due to their harmful effects on the ozone layer.

UV radiation and its effects:


UV radiation, a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun, can have various effects on living organisms. Let's analyze each option and determine which effects are influenced by UV radiation.
(i) Skin cancer in humans:
- UV radiation can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations and eventual development of skin cancer.
- This effect is well-documented and supported by scientific research.
- Therefore, UV radiation is responsible for the occurrence of skin cancer in humans.
(ii) Lower production of phytoplankton:
- Phytoplankton are microscopic organisms that play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem by producing oxygen and serving as a food source for other organisms.
- UV radiation can harm phytoplankton, inhibiting their growth and productivity.
- This can have negative consequences for the marine food chain and overall ecosystem health.
- Therefore, UV radiation is responsible for the lower production of phytoplankton.
(iii) Influence the growth of terrestrial plants:
- Terrestrial plants can be directly affected by UV radiation.
- High levels of UV radiation can damage plant tissues, leading to reduced photosynthesis and growth.
- This can have implications for agricultural productivity and ecosystem dynamics.
- Therefore, UV radiation can influence the growth of terrestrial plants.
(iv) Decrease in cattle production:
- UV radiation can indirectly impact cattle production through its effect on forage availability.
- UV radiation can damage plants that serve as forage for cattle, leading to reduced grazing options and consequently, decreased cattle production.
- Therefore, UV radiation can contribute to a decrease in cattle production.
Conclusion:
Considering the analysis of each option, it is evident that UV radiation is responsible for:
- Skin cancer in humans (option i)
- Lower production of phytoplankton (option ii)
- Influence on the growth of terrestrial plants (option iii)
Hence, the correct answer is option C: I, II, III.

The "Dobson unit", a convenient measure of the amount of ozone overhead, is named in his honor. The ozone layer absorbs 97 to 99 percent of the Sun's medium-frequency ultraviolet light (from about 200 nm to 315 nm wavelength), which otherwise would potentially damage exposed life forms near the surface.

Ozone Depleting Chemicals:
There are several ozone-depleting chemicals that have been identified and regulated under international agreements such as the Montreal Protocol. Among them are carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethane (methyl chloroform), and bromine compounds known as halons.
The Ozone Depleting Chemicals:
- Carbon tetrachloride
- Trichloroethane (methyl chloroform)
- Bromine compounds known as halons
Explanation:
1. Carbon tetrachloride: This chemical has been widely used in the past as a solvent, fire extinguisher, and refrigerant. It is a potent ozone-depleting substance and has been phased out in many countries due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer.
2. Trichloroethane (methyl chloroform): This chemical is another ozone-depleting substance that has been used as a solvent, especially in industrial processes. Like carbon tetrachloride, it has been phased out under the Montreal Protocol.
3. Bromine compounds known as halons: Halons are a group of chemicals containing bromine that have been used in fire suppression systems, particularly in aviation and military applications. They are highly effective in extinguishing fires but have a significant ozone-depleting potential.
Conclusion:
In summary, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethane (methyl chloroform), and bromine compounds known as halons are all ozone-depleting chemicals that have been regulated under international agreements like the Montreal Protocol. These chemicals have been phased out or restricted to protect the ozone layer and prevent further depletion.

The CPCB has identified 17 categories of industries which are significant polluters:
- The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in India has categorized industries based on their potential to cause pollution.
- These categories are used to regulate and monitor the activities of these industries to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
- The CPCB has identified 17 such categories of industries that are significant polluters.
- These categories include industries such as thermal power plants, cement plants, oil refineries, chemical factories, and textile mills, among others.
- Each category of industry has specific pollution control measures and guidelines that need to be followed to minimize their impact on the environment.
- The CPCB regularly monitors and assesses the pollution levels of these industries to ensure that they are operating within the prescribed limits.
- Non-compliance with environmental standards can result in penalties and legal action.
- The identification of these categories helps in targeted and effective pollution control measures and monitoring.
- By categorizing industries based on their potential to cause pollution, the CPCB can prioritize its efforts and resources to mitigate the environmental impact of these industries.
- The identification of these categories also helps in raising awareness among the industries and the public about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Therefore, the correct answer is B. 17.

Example of overuse of environmental resources:

• Deforestation: The excessive cutting down of trees for various purposes such as urbanization, agriculture, and timber production leads to deforestation. This process disrupts the natural balance of ecosystems, contributes to climate change, and leads to the loss of habitats for many species.


• Land degradation: Overuse and misuse of land through practices like excessive agriculture, mining, and urban development can lead to land degradation. This includes soil erosion, desertification, and the loss of soil fertility, which negatively impacts agricultural productivity and biodiversity.

Explanation:
Deforestation and land degradation are examples of overuse of environmental resources. Deforestation involves the removal of trees on a large scale, which disrupts the balance of ecosystems and contributes to climate change. Land degradation, on the other hand, refers to the deterioration of land quality due to human activities, resulting in reduced soil fertility and loss of biodiversity.
Both deforestation and land degradation have significant negative impacts on the environment. They lead to the loss of habitats for many species, contribute to climate change through the release of carbon dioxide, and reduce the capacity of ecosystems to provide important services such as clean air and water. Moreover, these activities can also have socio-economic consequences, such as the loss of livelihoods for communities dependent on forests and agricultural land.
It is essential to address these issues through sustainable practices such as reforestation, which involves planting trees to restore forests, and land restoration programs that aim to improve soil fertility and prevent further degradation. By promoting responsible land use and conservation efforts, we can mitigate the overuse of environmental resources and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Deforestation leads to:

• Air pollution: Deforestation contributes to air pollution in several ways:




• The loss of trees means a reduction in the number of plants available to absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, leading to increased levels of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.


• With fewer trees, there is less transpiration, which is the process by which water is released into the atmosphere. This can result in decreased humidity and altered rainfall patterns, further contributing to air pollution.


• Deforestation often involves burning trees, which releases harmful pollutants and particulate matter into the air.




• Land degradation: Deforestation can lead to land degradation in the following ways:




• Removal of trees and vegetation disrupts the stability of the soil, making it more susceptible to erosion by wind and water.


• Without the protective canopy of trees, the soil is exposed to direct sunlight, leading to increased evaporation and reduced moisture retention.


• Deforestation can also result in the loss of nutrient-rich topsoil, which is essential for plant growth.




• Biodiversity loss: Deforestation has a significant impact on biodiversity:




• Forests are home to a wide range of plant and animal species. When forests are cleared, these species lose their habitat and may struggle to survive or become extinct.


• Deforestation disrupts ecological balance and can lead to the loss of keystone species, which play a crucial role in maintaining the health and stability of ecosystems.


• The destruction of forests also reduces the availability of resources for indigenous communities and affects their way of life.

Therefore, deforestation leads to air pollution, land degradation, and biodiversity loss, making option D ("All of these") the correct answer.

The black soil of the Deccan Plateau is particularly suitable for cultivation of cotton.
Reasons:
- The black soil, also known as regur or black cotton soil, is rich in clay and organic matter, making it highly fertile.
- Cotton requires well-drained soil with good moisture retention, and the black soil of the Deccan Plateau meets these requirements.
- The high clay content of the soil allows it to retain moisture, preventing water from draining away quickly.
- The organic matter present in the soil enhances its fertility and nutrient-holding capacity, promoting healthy growth of cotton plants.
- The black soil also has good aeration, which is beneficial for root development and overall plant growth.
- Cotton is a major cash crop in India, and the Deccan Plateau region, with its black soil, is one of the largest cotton-growing areas in the country.
- The climate of the Deccan Plateau, characterized by hot summers and moderate rainfall, further supports the cultivation of cotton.
Additional Information:
- The Deccan Plateau is located in central and southern India.
- Apart from cotton, other crops such as soybeans, sorghum, and millets can also be cultivated in the black soil of the Deccan Plateau.

India's Iron-Ore Reserves
India is one of the largest producers and exporters of iron ore in the world. To understand the percentage of the world's total iron-ore reserves accounted for by India, we need to determine the correct answer from the given options.
Analysis:
- Option A: 50%
- Option B: 20%
- Option C: 30%
- Option D: 40%
To find the correct answer, we must consider the following information:
- India's iron-ore reserves are estimated to be around 25 billion tons.
- The world's total iron-ore reserves are estimated to be around 170 billion tons.

To calculate the percentage, we can use the formula:
Percentage = (India's iron-ore reserves / World's total iron-ore reserves) * 100
Using this formula, we can calculate the percentage for each option:
- Option A: (25 billion tons / 170 billion tons) * 100 = 14.7%
- Option B: (25 billion tons / 170 billion tons) * 100 = 14.7%
- Option C: (25 billion tons / 170 billion tons) * 100 = 14.7%
- Option D: (25 billion tons / 170 billion tons) * 100 = 14.7%
Based on our calculations, none of the given options are correct. It seems there might be an error in the question or the options provided.
Therefore, we cannot determine the exact percentage of the world's total iron-ore reserves accounted for by India based on the given information.

Sunderlal Bahuguna, a noted environmentalist who initiated the Chipko Movement, was born on January 9, 1927. The man who has been fighting for the preservation of forests in the Himalayas celebrates his 90th birthday today.

Land degradation is a process of deterioration or loss of the productive capacity of the soils for present and future, which is majorly induced by human beings. Land degradation is happening at an alarming pace, contributing to a dramatic decline in the productivity of croplands and rangelands worldwide.
Therefore, once a land is destroyed or depleted it is not good for vegetation so the resolution for that is deforestation in order to gain fertile land. So this cannot be the factor responsible for land degradation.

To find the per capita forestland in the country, we need to divide the total forestland by the population of the country. The given options are:
A: 0.80 hectare
B: 0.82 hectare
C: 0.08 hectare
D: 8.0 hectare
To determine the correct answer, we can use the following steps:
1. Calculate the total forestland: Since the question does not provide this information, we cannot calculate it. Therefore, we cannot determine the correct answer based on this information.
2. Calculate the population of the country: Again, the question does not provide this information, so we cannot calculate it. Without knowing the population, we cannot determine the correct answer.
3. Compare the given options: Since we cannot calculate the per capita forestland without knowing the total forestland and population, we cannot determine the correct answer based on the given options.
Therefore, based on the information provided in the question, we cannot determine the per capita forestland in the country.

Estimates of soil erosion show that soil is being eroded at a rate of ____ excess of the recharge capacity
To determine the correct option, let's analyze each given option and compare it with the concept of soil erosion and recharge capacity:
A: 5.3
- This option suggests that soil erosion is occurring at a rate of 5.3 times higher than the recharge capacity.
B: 3.5
- This option suggests that soil erosion is occurring at a rate of 3.5 times higher than the recharge capacity.
C: 4.3
- This option suggests that soil erosion is occurring at a rate of 4.3 times higher than the recharge capacity.
D: 2.5
- This option suggests that soil erosion is occurring at a rate of 2.5 times higher than the recharge capacity.
Based on the concept of soil erosion and recharge capacity, the correct answer is option A: 5.3. This means that soil erosion is happening at a rate 5.3 times greater than the recharge capacity.
It is important to note that soil erosion at a rate exceeding the recharge capacity can lead to detrimental effects on soil fertility, water quality, and ecosystem health. Soil conservation practices, such as contour plowing, terracing, and cover cropping, are essential to minimize soil erosion and maintain sustainable agriculture practices.

India's Support to the World's Population
India, with its limited geographical area, supports a significant portion of the world's human and livestock population. Let's break down the given information and calculate the percentages:
Human Population:
- India's population is approximately 1.3 billion people, which accounts for about 17.7% of the global population.
- To calculate the percentage of the world's human population supported by India, we divide India's population by the global population and multiply by 100.
- Therefore, India supports approximately 16% (rounded off) of the world's human population.
Livestock Population:
- India has a diverse livestock population, including cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep, and more.
- According to the latest statistics, India has around 512 million livestock animals, including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, and pig.
- To calculate the percentage of the world's livestock population supported by India, we divide India's livestock population by the global livestock population and multiply by 100.
- Therefore, India supports approximately 20% (rounded off) of the world's livestock population.
Conclusion:
India's support to the world's population is remarkable, considering its relatively small geographical area. With only 2.5% of the world's land, India supports around 16% of the global human population and approximately 20% of the livestock population. This showcases India's agricultural and farming capabilities, as well as its ability to sustain a large population.

What does CPCB stand for?
The acronym CPCB stands for Central Pollution Control Board.
Explanation:
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change in India. It was established in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. The main objective of the CPCB is to promote cleanliness of streams and wells, prevention and control of water pollution, and improvement of air quality.
The correct answer is option C: Central Pollution Control Board.