Question 1

State any two harmful effects of Global warming. State any two advantages of 'sustainable development'.

Accepted Answer

**Two harmful effects of Global Warming:**

1. **Rise in Sea Levels:** Global warming leads to melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, causing rise in sea levels which threatens coastal areas and island nations.

2. **Extreme Weather Events:** Increased frequency of droughts, floods, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events due to climate change.

**Two advantages of Sustainable Development:**

1. **Meets Present Needs:** Ensures current generation's needs are met without compromising future generations.

2. **Environmental Preservation:** Balances economic growth with environmental protection, preventing further degradation.

Question 2

Read the following statements carefully : Statement I : Population explosion, affluent consumption and production have placed a huge stress on the environment. Statement II : Carrying capacity is the largest size of a density-dependent population for which the population growth rate is zero. In the light of the given statements, choose the correct option from the following :

Accepted Answer

(D) Both Statements I and II are false.

Question 3

Read the following text carefully : According to the 2021 World Air Quality Report, India is home to 63 of the 100 most polluted cities. The study also found that PM 2.5 concentration (tiny particles in the air that are 2.5 micrometres or smaller in length) in 48% of the country's cities are more than 10 times higher than the WHO's air quality guidelines level. Undoubtedly, this has made air pollution as one of the most pressing environmental issues in India. Vehicular emission, industrial waste, cooking smoke, the construction sector, crop burning and power generation are among the biggest sources of air pollution in India. The country's dependence on coal, oil and gas due to rampant electrification makes it the world's the largest polluter, contributing over 2.65 billion metric tonnes of carbon to the atmosphere every year. In 2021, India was among the world's most polluted countries, second only to Bangladesh. The annual average PM 2.5 level in India was about 58.1 ug/m^3 in 2021. Scientists have linked persistent exposure to PM 2.5 to many long-term health issues including heart and lung disease, as well as 7.5 million premature deaths each year. On the basis of the above passage and common understanding, answer the following questions : (a) State any four sources of air pollution in India. (b) Discuss briefly the adverse impacts of rising levels of PM 2.5 particles in the air. (c) State the full form of CPCB.

Accepted Answer

Based on the passage about air quality report:

**India's Air Pollution Problem:**

1. **Polluted Cities:** India home to 63 of 100 most polluted cities globally.

2. **PM 2.5 Concentration:** High levels of tiny particles harmful to health.

**Causes:**

1. **Vehicular Emissions:** Rapid increase in motor vehicles contributing to air pollution.

2. **Industrial Pollution:** Power plants and factories emitting pollutants.

3. **Construction Activities:** Dust from construction sites.

4. **Crop Burning:** Stubble burning in agricultural areas.

**Impact:**

1. **Health Problems:** Respiratory diseases, asthma, other health issues.

2. **Environmental Damage:** Air quality deterioration affecting ecosystems.

3. **Economic Costs:** Healthcare expenses and loss of productivity.

Question 4

Read the following text carefully : According to the 2021 World Air Quality Report, India is home to 63 of the 100 most polluted cities. The study also found that PM 2.5 concentration (tiny particles in the air that are 2.5 micrometres or smaller in length) in 48% of the country's cities are more than 10 times higher than the WHO's air quality guidelines level. Undoubtedly, this has made air pollution as one of the most pressing environmental issues in India. Vehicular emission, industrial waste, cooking smoke, the construction sector, crop burning and power generation are among the biggest sources of air pollution in India. The country's dependence on coal, oil and gas due to rampant electrification makes it the world's the largest polluter, contributing over 2.65 billion metric tonnes of carbon to the atmosphere every year. In 2021, India was among the world's most polluted countries, second only to Bangladesh. The annual average PM 2.5 level in India was about 58.1 ug/m^3 in 2021. Scientists have linked persistent exposure to PM 2.5 to many long-term health issues including heart and lung disease, as well as 7.5 million premature deaths each year. On the basis of the above passage and common understanding, answer the following questions : (i) State and discuss the functions of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), set up by the Government of India. (ii) State any four sources of air pollution in India.

Accepted Answer

Based on the passage about air quality report:

**Measures to Control Air Pollution:**

1. **Promote Public Transport:** Delhi Metro and other public transport systems reduce vehicular emissions.

2. **Cleaner Fuels:** Use of CNG instead of petrol and diesel in vehicles.

3. **Cleaner Technologies:** Strengthen emission standards and introduce economic incentives.

4. **Monitoring Systems:** Improve air quality monitoring and reporting.

5. **Industrial Regulations:** Regulate industries to reduce emissions.

6. **Urban Planning:** Better traffic planning and management.

7. **Renewable Energy:** Shift from fossil fuels to clean energy sources.

8. **Awareness:** Mass awareness programmes about air pollution and its effects.

Question 5

Identify, which of the following is not a strategy of sustainable development. (Choose the correct option)

Accepted Answer

(D) Use of Mini-Hydel Plants

Environmental and Sustainable Development

Study Simplify Special