Test: Human and Environment Interaction - UGC NET MCQ

The primary focus of anthropogenic activities is initially to improve human living conditions through human efforts. However, as these activities progress, they can potentially cause harm to human life. It is crucial to strike a balance between progress and environmental sustainability to ensure the well-being of both humanity and the planet.

The primary focus of the global partnership for sustainable development is to achieve a better standard of living for all. This goal is aimed at addressing various challenges such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, and resource exploitation. By adopting interdisciplinary approaches that consider environmental, economic, and social aspects, the aim is to improve the quality of life for everyone while ensuring sustainable development.

The major impacts on agriculture due to industrialization include soil erosion, depletion of nutrients, micronutrient imbalance, nitrate pollution, and eutrophication. Soil erosion and nutrient depletion are significant challenges that can result from intensive agricultural practices and land use changes. Soil erosion can lead to the loss of topsoil, affecting soil fertility and agricultural productivity. Nutrient depletion can occur when essential nutrients are not replenished adequately, impacting plant growth and crop yields.

Mining can lead to various damages including devegetation, defacing of the landscape, subsidence of land, tilting of buildings, cracks in houses, and groundwater contamination. Groundwater contamination occurs when elements like sulphur get converted into sulphuric acid, making the water acidic and posing health hazards. Additionally, heavy metals can leach into the groundwater from mining activities, further contaminating it.

The production of carbon dioxide resulting from industrial and transport activities stands out as a primary cause of pollution. This increase in carbon dioxide emissions, stemming from human activities, contributes significantly to environmental degradation and climate change. It underscores the importance of transitioning towards cleaner and sustainable energy practices to combat pollution effectively.

The Sustainable Development Goal that concentrates on achieving inclusive and equitable quality education is the goal that aims to achieve universal primary education. This goal underscores the significance of providing accessible and quality education for all, irrespective of socioeconomic status or geographic location, to promote lifelong learning opportunities and empower individuals for a sustainable future.

- Goal 17 emphasizes the importance of promoting global partnership.
- It is titled "Partnerships for the Goals."
- This goal seeks to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
- It highlights the need for cooperation between governments, the private sector, and civil society.
- Goal 17 focuses on finance, technology, capacity-building, trade, and systemic issues.
- Its aim is to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through collaborative effort.

Anthropogenic activities have a very significant impact on human health. Human-made pollutants have become dominant players in the environment, disrupting the natural equilibrium that existed for millions of years. This disruption, coupled with issues such as climate change and loss of biodiversity, highlights the critical importance of understanding and addressing the impact of human activities on human health and well-being.

Nitrate pollution, as mentioned in the text, can contaminate groundwater by leaching deep into the soil. When nitrate concentrations exceed certain levels, typically around 25 mg/L, it can lead to adverse health effects such as blue baby syndrome or methaemoglobinemia. This pollution poses risks to both human health and the environment by contaminating groundwater sources, which are vital for drinking water supplies and ecosystem health.

Indoor air pollution is a significant source of public exposure to air pollutants, which can lead to chronic health problems. Prolonged exposure to indoor pollutants can result in respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and other long-term health effects. It is crucial to ensure proper ventilation and reduce indoor air pollutants to safeguard public health.

There are two main types of mining: land dredging, which involves digging a hole in the land, and river dredging, where mining activities are conducted along a river on a platform or boat. These methods have distinct environmental implications and can impact local ecosystems and communities differently.