Olympiad Test Level 2: Environmental Issues- 1 - Class 7 MCQ

Restoring of the destroyed forests by planting new trees is known as Afforestation.
Afforestation is the practice of establishing a forest, or stand of trees, in an area where there was no forest. It involves the process of planting new trees in areas where forests have been cut down or destroyed. This is done to restore the natural ecosystem, promote biodiversity, and combat deforestation.
Here are the key points explaining afforestation:
1. Definition: Afforestation is the process of creating a new forest or woodland by planting trees or seeds in an area where there is no forest cover.
2. Purpose: Afforestation is undertaken to restore forest ecosystems that have been destroyed due to human activities such as logging, mining, or urbanization. It helps to reverse deforestation and its negative impacts on the environment.
3. Environmental Benefits: Afforestation plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change as trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. It helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and serves as a natural carbon sink. Additionally, forests provide habitats for various species, promote biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, improve water quality, and regulate the water cycle.
4. Economic Benefits: Afforestation can have positive economic impacts by creating employment opportunities in forestry and related industries. It also contributes to the production of timber and non-timber forest products, which can be used for construction, furniture, paper, and other purposes.
5. Implementation: Afforestation projects involve careful planning, selecting appropriate tree species for the specific ecological conditions, and ensuring proper maintenance and protection of the newly planted trees. It requires coordination between governments, organizations, and local communities.
6. Challenges: Afforestation efforts may face challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of proper planning, inappropriate species selection, and insufficient monitoring and maintenance. It is important to address these challenges to ensure the success and sustainability of afforestation initiatives.
In conclusion, afforestation is a crucial process in restoring and conserving forests. By planting new trees, we can reverse the effects of deforestation and promote a healthier environment for future generations.

Answer:
The correct answer is A: greenhouse effect.
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that helps regulate the Earth's temperature. It refers to the ability of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, to trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space. This process keeps the Earth's surface warm enough to support life.
Here is a detailed explanation of the greenhouse effect:
1. Definition: The greenhouse effect is the process by which greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere absorb and reemit infrared radiation, trapping heat and warming the planet.
2. Greenhouse Gases: Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. These gases are released into the atmosphere through natural processes, such as volcanic eruptions, and human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
3. Heat Absorption: When sunlight reaches the Earth's surface, it warms the land, water, and atmosphere. Some of this heat is radiated back into space as infrared radiation. However, greenhouse gases absorb this infrared radiation, preventing it from escaping into space.
4. Heat Trapping: The absorbed heat causes the greenhouse gases to vibrate and emit infrared radiation in all directions, including back toward the Earth's surface. This process traps heat in the lower atmosphere and warms the planet.
5. Climate Regulation: The greenhouse effect plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate. Without it, the planet would be much colder and unable to support life as we know it. However, an excessive increase in greenhouse gases can lead to an enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming.
6. Impacts: The greenhouse effect is essential for maintaining a stable climate. However, human activities have contributed to an increase in greenhouse gas concentrations, leading to global warming and climate change. This has resulted in rising temperatures, melting ice caps, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and other adverse impacts on the environment and human societies.
In conclusion, the greenhouse effect is the process that keeps the Earth's temperature balanced, ensuring that it is not too hot in the summer and not too cold in the winter.

Climate Change and its Impact on Human Health
Climate change is a global issue that poses significant risks to human health. Here are some ways in which climate change affects human health:
1. Heat-related Illnesses:
- Rising temperatures and heatwaves can lead to heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
- The elderly, children, and individuals with certain medical conditions are particularly vulnerable.
2. Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases:
- Climate change can worsen air quality, leading to an increase in respiratory illnesses such as asthma and allergies.
- Warmer temperatures can also exacerbate cardiovascular conditions and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
3. Insect-Borne Infections:
- Climate change affects the distribution and behavior of disease-carrying insects such as mosquitoes and ticks.
- This can lead to an increase in insect-borne infections like dengue fever, malaria, Lyme disease, and Zika virus.
4. Waterborne Diseases:
- Climate change can impact the availability and quality of water sources.
- Flooding, extreme rainfall, and changes in precipitation patterns can contaminate water supplies, leading to waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhea.
5. Mental Health Issues:
- Climate change events such as natural disasters and displacement can have long-lasting psychological impacts on individuals and communities.
- Increased anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are commonly observed.
6. Food and Nutrition:
- Climate change affects agricultural productivity, leading to changes in food availability and quality.
- Poor nutrition and food insecurity can have negative impacts on human health, particularly in vulnerable populations.
It is important to address climate change and implement strategies to mitigate its effects in order to protect human health and well-being. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to changes, and promoting sustainable practices.

The consequence of global warming that is not mentioned is increased agricultural productivity worldwide.
Explanation:
Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases. While global warming has various consequences, it is important to note that not all of them are negative.
Here is an explanation of the consequences mentioned and why they are or are not a result of global warming:
1. Rising sea level: Global warming leads to the melting of glaciers and ice caps, resulting in an increase in sea levels. As the Earth's temperature rises, the volume of water expands, and this combined with the melting ice contributes to the rise in sea level.
2. Worsening health effects: Global warming has several health implications. It can lead to more frequent and severe heatwaves, which can cause heat-related illnesses and even fatalities. It can also exacerbate air pollution and increase the prevalence of diseases transmitted by insects, such as mosquitoes.
3. Increased storm frequency and intensity: With global warming, there is an increased energy input into Earth's climate system, which can lead to more intense storms. Warmer ocean temperatures can fuel the development of hurricanes and typhoons, resulting in increased storm frequency and intensity.
4. Increased agricultural productivity worldwide: This consequence is not a result of global warming. While global warming may have some localized positive effects on agriculture in certain regions due to longer growing seasons or increased carbon dioxide levels, it also brings negative impacts such as droughts, heat stress, and changes in precipitation patterns. Overall, these negative effects outweigh any potential benefits, leading to reduced agricultural productivity in many areas.
In conclusion, the consequence of increased agricultural productivity worldwide is not a result of global warming. It is important to address and mitigate the negative consequences of global warming while seeking sustainable solutions to ensure a healthy and productive future for our planet.

Changes Resultant of Global Warming:
The following changes are the result of global warming:
1. Changes in Natural Atmospheric System:
- Increased greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming.
- Rising temperatures have caused changes in the composition and dynamics of the atmosphere.
- Changes in atmospheric circulation patterns and wind systems occur due to global warming.
2. Changes in Weather Patterns of the World:
- Global warming has led to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, heatwaves, and heavy rainfall.
- Changes in precipitation patterns, including shifts in rainfall distribution and intensity, are observed.
- Rising sea temperatures contribute to the formation of more intense and damaging storms.
3. Changes in the Adaptation of Flora and Fauna:
- Global warming affects the timing and behavior of plants and animals.
- Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns impact the distribution and abundance of species.
- Some species are forced to migrate or change their habitats as a result of changing environmental conditions.
4. Changes in Rain Pattern:
- Global warming influences the water cycle, leading to changes in rainfall patterns.
- Some regions may experience increased rainfall, while others may face more frequent droughts.
- Changes in rain patterns affect agriculture, water availability, and ecosystem functioning.
In conclusion, global warming results in a wide range of changes, including alterations in the natural atmospheric system, weather patterns, adaptation of flora and fauna, and rain patterns. These changes have significant impacts on various aspects of the environment, economy, and society.

Answer:
The 3Rs that are regarded as environment friendly are Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Here is a detailed explanation of each of these 3Rs:
1. Reduce: This refers to reducing the amount of waste generated. By consuming less, we can reduce the demand for products and resources, which in turn reduces the overall environmental impact. Some ways to implement this include:
- Avoiding single-use items and opting for reusable alternatives.
- Minimizing packaging waste by buying in bulk or choosing products with minimal packaging.
- Conserving energy and water by turning off lights and taps when not in use.
2. Reuse: This involves finding new uses for items instead of throwing them away. By reusing, we can extend the lifespan of products and reduce the need for new resources. Examples of reusing include:
- Donating or selling items that are no longer needed.
- Repairing or refurbishing items to give them a second life.
- Using reusable containers, bags, and bottles instead of disposable ones.
3. Recycle: Recycling involves converting waste materials into new products. It helps to conserve resources, reduce landfill space, and decrease pollution. Recycling can be done through the following steps:
- Sorting and separating recyclable materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal.
- Sending the collected materials to recycling facilities where they are processed and turned into new products.
- Purchasing products made from recycled materials to support the demand for recycled goods.
By following the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, we can minimize our impact on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Disposal of Garbage: The Best Method

When it comes to the disposal of garbage, there are several methods available. However, the best method is determined by considering various factors such as environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Below, we discuss the different methods and explain why landfilling is considered the best method of disposal.

1. Burning

• Burning, also known as incineration, involves the combustion of waste materials.


• Advantages:
  
  
  
  • Reduces the volume of waste.
  
  
  • Generates energy in the form of heat or electricity.
  
  
  
  


• Disadvantages:
  
  
  
  • Emits pollutants and greenhouse gases.
  
  
  • Potential health risks from toxic emissions.
  
  
  
  

2. Landfilling

• Landfilling involves the disposal of waste in specially engineered landfills.


• Advantages:
  
  
  
  • Cost-effective method.
  
  
  • Minimizes environmental pollution when properly managed.
  
  
  • Allows for the extraction of landfill gas for energy production.
  
  
  • Can be used for waste-to-energy conversion through landfill gas capture.
  
  
  
  


• Disadvantages:
  
  
  
  • Land scarcity and limited landfill space.
  
  
  • Potential groundwater and soil contamination if not properly managed.
  
  
  
  

3. Incineration

• Incineration involves the controlled burning of waste materials at high temperatures.


• Advantages:
  
  
  
  • Reduces the volume of waste.
  
  
  • Generates energy in the form of heat or electricity.
  
  
  
  


• Disadvantages:
  
  
  
  • Emits pollutants and greenhouse gases.
  
  
  • Potential health risks from toxic emissions.
  
  
  
  

4. Vermiculture

• Vermiculture involves the use of worms to decompose organic waste.


• Advantages:
  
  
  
  • Environmentally friendly method.
  
  
  • Produces nutrient-rich organic matter (vermicompost).
  
  
  
  


• Disadvantages:
  
  
  
  • Not suitable for all types of waste.
  
  
  • Requires proper management and monitoring.
  
  
  
  

Conclusion:

While each method has its advantages and disadvantages, landfilling is considered the best method of disposal due to its cost-effectiveness, proper management potential,

Types of weather-related disasters that will become worse with global warming:
Floods:
- Global warming leads to an increase in extreme precipitation events, resulting in more intense and frequent floods.
- Rising temperatures also contribute to the melting of glaciers and ice caps, leading to increased river flows and higher flood risks.
- Sea-level rise caused by global warming can result in coastal flooding, especially during storms and hurricanes.
Drought:
- Global warming can cause changes in rainfall patterns, leading to prolonged periods of drought in certain regions.
- Warmer temperatures increase evaporation rates, which can intensify dry conditions and exacerbate droughts.
- Climate change can also alter the timing and intensity of rainfall, further impacting water availability and agricultural productivity.
Intensity of heat will increase:
- Global warming is associated with higher temperatures, leading to heatwaves and extreme heat events becoming more frequent and intense.
- Heatwaves can have severe health impacts, including heatstroke, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses.
- Increased heat can also exacerbate drought conditions, increase the risk of wildfires, and negatively affect agriculture and ecosystems.
All of the above:
- Global warming affects various weather-related disasters, including floods, droughts, and heatwaves.
- The interconnected nature of the Earth's climate system means that changes in one aspect, such as temperature, can have cascading effects on other weather patterns and events.
- Therefore, it is expected that all of these types of disasters will become worse with global warming.
Overall, global warming has the potential to intensify and exacerbate various weather-related disasters, impacting ecosystems, economies, and human well-being. It is crucial to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate to minimize the risks associated with these disasters.

The 1989 Alaska Oil Spill Disaster
- On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez, an oil tanker, ran aground in Prince William Sound, Alaska.
- This incident led to one of the most devastating human-caused environmental disasters in history.
- The disaster resulted in an estimated 11 million gallons (41.6 million liters) of crude oil being spilled into the pristine waters of the sound.
- The oil spill had a catastrophic impact on the local ecosystem and wildlife, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
- Seabirds, including bald eagles, puffins, and cormorants, were heavily affected by the oil spill. The oil coated their feathers, making it difficult for them to fly, swim, or find food. Many birds died as a result.
- Sea otters, which are highly vulnerable to oil spills due to their dense fur, were also severely impacted. The oil destroyed their insulating fur, leading to hypothermia and death.
- Other marine animals such as seals, whales, and fish were also affected by the oil spill, leading to long-term damage to their populations.
- The spill had a significant economic impact on the fishing industry in Alaska, as it contaminated fishing grounds and disrupted the livelihoods of local communities.
- The Exxon Valdez oil spill served as a wake-up call for the need to improve oil spill prevention, response, and environmental regulations.
- It led to the passage of the Oil Pollution Act in 1990, which aimed to prevent future oil spills and held companies accountable for environmental damage caused by their operations.
Overall, the 1989 Alaska Oil Spill Disaster was a tragic event that highlighted the devastating consequences of human negligence and the urgent need for stricter environmental regulations.

Resource Conservation:
- Resource conservation refers to the careful and judicious use of resources in order to ensure their long-term availability and sustainability.
- It involves managing resources in such a way that they are not depleted or exhausted, but rather are used in a sustainable manner that allows them to be renewed or regenerated.
- The goal of resource conservation is to strike a balance between meeting present needs and ensuring that future generations will have access to the same resources.
- It involves practices such as reducing waste, reusing materials, recycling, and adopting efficient technologies and processes.
- Resource conservation also includes protecting natural habitats and ecosystems to preserve biodiversity and ecological balance.
- By conserving resources, we can minimize environmental degradation, reduce the impacts of climate change, and promote sustainable development.
- It requires a collective effort from individuals, businesses, and governments to adopt sustainable practices and policies.
- Resource conservation is essential for the long-term well-being of both the environment and society as a whole.