UPSC 2014 Environment and Ecology Questions with Answers

Explanation

India is second largest crude steel producer in the world. The steel industry is highly resource and energy-inten-sive, as well as significantly polluting. For instance, India’s current average emission intensity is 2.55 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of crude steel, while the global average is around 1.95 tonnes. Emissions from the steel sector have decreased by 15% from 2005 to 2022, and the government aims for an additional 10% reduction by 2030. The major environmental impacts of integrated steel mills are from coking and iron-making. Coke production is one of the major pollution sources from steel production. Air emissions such as coke oven gas, naphthalene, ammonium compounds, crude light oil, sulfur and coke dust are released from coke ovens. Steel production has a number of impacts on the environment, including air emissions (CO₂, CO SOx, NOx, PM2.5), wastewater contaminants, hazardous wastes, and solid wastes.

Explanation

Nanoparticles are used in the manufacture of scratch proof eyeglasses, crack-resistant paints, anti-graffiti coatings for walls, transparent sunscreens, stain-repellent fabrics, and self-cleaning windows, and ceramic coatings for solar cells. Additionally, stronger, lighter, cleaner, and more intelligent surfaces and systems can be created with nanoparticles.

Statement 1 is correct: A matter particle with dimension ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers is referred to as nanoparticle. Nanoparticles can accumulate in the environment and contaminate water and soil.

Statement 2 is correct: Nanoparticles can also enter the food chain and cross cell membranes.

Statement 3 is correct: Nanoparticles can trigger free radicals and may damage cells in organs like the liver, heart, or blood.

Explanation

Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) are mixtures of man-made chemicals that are added to a wide variety of products, including for industrial use, to make them less flammable. They are used commonly in plastics, textiles and electrical/electronic equipment. Statements 1 is correct: Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs)don’t degrade easily in fact they are highly resistant to degradation in the environment. Statements 2 is correct: Some brominated flame retardants were identified as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to both humans and the environment and were suspected of causing neurobehavioral effects and endocrine disruption.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: If the global temperature increases beyond 3 “C above the pre-industrial level, the terrestrial biosphere will tend towards being a net carbon source. Taiga and temperate forests act as an important carbon sink that would turn into a carbon source.

Statement 2 is correct: As temperatures rise, mass coral bleaching events occur. If the temperature keeps on rising, widespread coral mortality will occur.

Statement 3 and 4 are incorrect: The temperate regions can still survive if the temperature increases. The temperate zones are where the widest seasonal changes occur. The vegetation can survive there. The weather should be warm and moist during the early stage of the growth of cereals. Therefore, the cultivation of cereals would still be possible if the temperature rises.

Explanation

The Sustainable Sugar Initiative (SSI) was launched jointly by International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). SSI aims at cultivating sugarcane mainly by changing the way the inputs and methods are used, such as less use of seeds, less use of water, optimum utilization of fertilizers and land, aims at reducing the input cost.

Statement 1 is correct: The Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI) is an innovative set of agronomic practices that involves using less seeds, raising seeds in a nursery, and following new planting methods. Statements 2 and 4 are correct: SSI provides ample scope for intercropping and the drip irrigation method as it incorporates wider seed spacing and better water and nutrient management to increase the cane yields significantly.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Application of both inorganic and organic fertilizers such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) fertilizers are part of Sustainable Sugar Initiative (SSI).

Explanation

Option 1 is correct: The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, also known as the Seed Treaty, was adopted during the 31st session of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2001. India is a signatory to this treaty, which directly impacts biodiversity, as seeds are crucial for the conservation of plant genetic resources.

Option 2 is correct: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was established in 1994. It is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. Habitat loss to meet our demand for food, raw materials or buildings is the leading cause of species extinction. Conserving, restoring, and sustainably managing habitats and ecosystems is recognized as the most effective way to protect biodiversity. One powerful example is the Great Green Wall. The Wall is an African-led initiative to restore biodiversity.

Option 3 is correct: World Heritage Convention (1972) of UNESCO is concerned with the protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. It acknowledges how people interact with nature and the critical necessity to maintain their delicate equilibrium. World Heritage properties/sites are some of the most outstanding places on the planet and constitute a significant subset of the protected area system, critical for conservation of ecosystem integrity and biodiversity.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Earth Hour is a global movement for environmental conservation, started by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in 2007.

Statement 2 is correct: It is an annual event that takes place on the last Saturday of March. Millions of people in over 180 countries and territories participate in it by turning off their lights for 1 hour.

Statement 3 is correct: It showcases the urgent need to take action on the pressing issue of climate change. Further, it promotes awareness about environmental issues on a public platform.

Explanation

The ’Montreux Record’ is a register of wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention that have experienced, are experiencing, or are expected to experience changes in their ecological character. These changes may be due to factors like technological development, pollution, or other human influences. The Ramsar Convention, established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, is an international agreement aimed at the "conservation and sustainable use of wetlands." It is not a regulatory framework, but rather the only global treaty specifically focused on the preservation of wetlands. According to the Ramsar Convention, wetlands include all areas of marsh, fen, peatland, and water, whether natural or man-made, permanent or temporary, and with freshwater, brackish, or salt-water, whether flowing or static. This definition also includes marine areas with a depth of less than six meters at low tide. World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd each year.

Explanation

Wetlands International is a global organisation that works to sustain and restore wetlands and their resources for people and biodiversity. It is an independent, not-for-profit, global organization, supported by governments and NGO members from around the world.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Wetlands International is not an inter-governmental organization. Instead, it is an independent NGO that works in partnership with governments, international organizations, and local communities. While Wetlands Inter-national collaborates closely with the Ramsar Convention, it is not formed by the signatories. The Ramsar Convention recognizes Wetlands International as one of its International Organization Partners (IOPs), along with other bodies like WWF and BirdLife International.

Statement 2 is correct: Wetlands International conducts field projects that generate data on wetland management and conservation. These insights inform policies, guide sustainable practices, and raise awareness. Their work spans research, community projects, and advocacy with governments, corporations, and international policy forums.

Explanation

Wetlands connect land and water, offering crucial services for rivers. They absorb water during wet seasons, aiding flood protection and groundwater recharge, while filtering nutrients and sediments. Wetlands also support diverse ecosystems, serving as spawning grounds for fish and nesting sites for migratory birds.

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Harike Wetland is the largest wetland in northern India on the border of Tarn Taran Sahib district and Ferozepur district of Punjab. The wetland and the lake were formed by constructing the headworks across the Sutlej River in 1953, located downstream of the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers just south of Harike village.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: The Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park is formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is in the Bharatpur District of Rajasthan. It is situated at the confluence of the Gambhira and the Banganga rivers.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Kolleru lake is the largest fresh-water lake in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located between Krishna and Godavari deltas. It is primarily fed by the Budameru and Tammileru rivers, not the Musi and Krishna.