Environmental Awareness Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is sustainability?

Sustainability refers to the ability to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It emphasizes the balance between economic growth, environmental health, and social well-being.

What is sustainable development?

Sustainable development is the process of pursuing economic and social development in ways that protect and enhance the natural environment.

Which of the following are advantages of sustainable development (select all that apply)?

  • Social equity (correct)
  • Community well-being (correct)
  • Innovation (correct)
  • Conservation of resources (correct)
  • Climate change mitigation (correct)
  • Cost savings (correct)
  • Long-term growth (correct)
  • Reduction in pollution (correct)
  • Health benefits (correct)
  • Preservation for future generations (correct)
  • Job creation (correct)
  • Fulfillment of UN goals (correct)
  • Improved quality of life (correct)
  • International collaboration (correct)
  • Resilience to crises (correct)
  • Biodiversity protection (correct)

What are anthropogenic activities that contribute to soil erosion?

<p>Anthropogenic activities are human actions that significantly contribute to soil erosion. These activities accelerate the rate of soil loss, reducing soil fertility, disrupting ecosystems, and affecting agricultural productivity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are examples of anthropogenic activities contributing to soil erosion? (Select all that apply)

<p>Tree removal (A), Monocropping (B), Excessive irrigation (C), Release of industrial waste (D), Land clearing (E), Overuse of chemicals (F), Salinization (G), Excavation (H), Tillage (I), Overgrazing (J), Surface mining (K)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are renewable resources?

<p>Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replenished naturally over time or are inexhaustible in human terms. They provide a continuous supply of energy and materials when managed sustainably.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are examples of renewable energy sources?

<p>Tidal energy (A), Wind energy (B), Hydropower (C), Geothermal energy (D), Biomass energy (E), Wave energy (F), Solar energy (G)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are effects of over-exploitation of surface and ground water? (Select all that apply)

<p>Economic impacts (A), Urban challenges (B), Soil degradation (C), Impact on agriculture (D), Decline in water table (E), Land subsidence (F), Degradation of water quality (G), Reduced surface water levels (H), Ecological disruption (I), Climate change amplification (J)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is India considered a megadiverse country?

<p>India is a megadiverse country because it harbors an extraordinarily high number of species, both in terms of floral and faunal diversity, and in its rich range of ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the factors contributing to India's megadiversity? (Select all that apply)

<p>Rich fauna (A), Climatic diversity (B), Rich flora (C), Varied geography (D), Cultural and religious influence (E), Marine biodiversity (F), Contributions to global biodiversity (G), Conservation efforts (H)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is sustainability?

The ability to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It emphasizes the balance between economic growth, environmental health, and social well-being.

What is sustainable development?

A process of pursuing economic and social development while protecting the environment. It allows progress without harming future generations.

What is environmental sustainability?

Focuses on preserving natural resources and ecosystems, like forests, rivers, and wildlife.

What is economic sustainability?

Promotes long-term economic growth without harming the environment, like using renewable energy sources.

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What is social sustainability?

Ensures social equity, inclusivity, and access to basic needs like education, healthcare, and justice.

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What is soil erosion?

The process by which topsoil is removed by wind or water. This is a natural process, but human activities usually accelerate it.

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What are anthropogenic activities?

Human activities that greatly contribute to soil erosion, often by disturbing the land.

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How does deforestation contribute to soil erosion?

The removal of trees for activities like agriculture, logging, or building. This exposes soil to wind and rain.

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How does overgrazing contribute to soil erosion?

When animals graze too heavily, it damages the vegetation that protects the soil.

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How does monocropping contribute to soil erosion?

Planting the same crop repeatedly depletes soil nutrients and makes it weak.

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How does tillage contribute to soil erosion?

Frequent plowing disrupts the soil's structure, making it easier for wind and water to carry it away.

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How do chemicals contribute to soil erosion?

Excessive use of chemicals can harm soil organisms, weakening the soil structure.

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How does mining contribute to soil erosion?

Mining activities often remove the topsoil and vegetation, leaving large areas exposed.

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How do mining tailings contribute to soil erosion?

Mining waste can contaminate soil and cause erosion in nearby areas.

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How does urbanization contribute to soil erosion?

Clearing land for buildings exposes soil to erosion.

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How do impervious surfaces contribute to soil erosion?

Paved areas increase surface runoff which carries away exposed soil.

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How does excavation contribute to soil erosion?

Construction activities can disturb soil layers, making them prone to erosion.

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How does industrial pollution contribute to soil erosion?

Industrial waste can weaken soil structure and promote erosion.

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How do industrial emissions contribute to soil erosion?

Industrial emissions can lead to acid rain, which makes soil acidic and washes away its nutrients.

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How does excessive irrigation contribute to soil erosion?

Overwatering can cause water to run off and carry topsoil with it.

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How does salinization contribute to soil erosion?

Improper irrigation practices can lead to salt buildup in the soil, harming its structure.

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How does climate change contribute to soil erosion?

Climate change leads to more intense rainfall, floods, and droughts, accelerating erosion.

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What are renewable resources?

Resources that can be replenished naturally over time, like sunlight, wind, and water.

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What are renewable energy sources?

These resources come from renewable sources like sunlight, wind, water, biomass, and geothermal heat.

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What is solar energy?

Energy derived from the sun’s radiation.

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What are photovoltaic (PV) cells?

These convert sunlight directly into electricity.

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What are solar thermal systems?

These use solar energy to heat fluids or produce steam for electricity generation.

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What is wind energy?

Energy generated using wind turbines that convert wind's movement into electricity.

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What is hydropower?

Energy generated from the movement of water, often through dams or rivers.

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What is biomass energy?

Energy derived from burning organic materials like wood, crops, and waste to produce heat or electricity.

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What is geothermal energy?

Heat energy stored deep within the Earth's surface.

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What is ocean energy?

Energy derived from the movement of tides or ocean waves, using devices like tidal barrages or wave converters.

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What are the effects of over-exploitation of water resources?

Overusing surface and groundwater has negative consequences for the environment, economy, and society.

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What is groundwater depletion?

Excessive extraction lowers the water table, making groundwater harder and more expensive to access.

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What is surface water depletion?

Overuse of surface water, like from rivers and lakes, reduces their flow, leading to drying.

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What is seawater intrusion?

Over-extraction near coasts can cause seawater to seep into groundwater, making it saltier.

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What is water quality degradation?

Reduced water levels lead to the concentration of pollutants, making water unsuitable for drinking and agriculture.

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Why is India considered a megadiverse nation?

India possesses an exceptionally diverse range of plant and animal species, making it a megadiverse nation.

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How does India's geography contribute to its biodiversity?

India’s varied landscapes, from mountains to deserts to rainforests, support a wide variety of ecosystems.

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How does India's climate contribute to its biodiversity?

India’s climate, ranging from tropical to alpine, creates diverse environments for plants and animals.

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What are biodiversity hotspots?

India has specific areas exceptionally rich in species, facing serious threats from human activities.

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How has culture influenced biodiversity conservation in India?

India's long history includes practices like sacred groves, protecting specific ecosystems and species.

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What conservation efforts are in place to protect India's biodiversity?

India has established protected areas and implemented programs to conserve its biodiversity.

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Study Notes

Environmental Awareness

  • Sustainability refers to meeting current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.
  • Sustainability is rooted in three main pillars: environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
  • Environmental sustainability focuses on preserving natural resources and ecosystems.
  • Economic sustainability promotes long-term economic growth without harming the environment.
  • Social sustainability ensures social equity, inclusivity, and access to basic needs.
  • Sustainable development is the process of pursuing economic and social development while protecting and enhancing the natural environment.
  • The 1987 Brundtland Report defined sustainable development as meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.
  • Sustainable development offers advantages across environments, economies, and social structures.

Advantages of Sustainable Development

  • Environmental Advantages: Conservation of resources (water, soil, energy), reduction in pollution, biodiversity protection, climate change mitigation.
  • Economic Advantages: Long-term growth, job creation (green industries, renewable energy, eco-tourism), cost savings (efficient resource management), innovation in sustainable practices and materials.
  • Social Advantages: Improved quality of life (access to clean water, sanitation, healthcare, education), social equity (access to resources and opportunities), community well-being (participatory decision-making, inclusive communities), health benefits (reduced exposure to pollutants), preservation for future generations.

Soil Erosion and Anthropogenic Activities

  • Anthropogenic activities significantly contribute to soil erosion, reducing soil fertility, disrupting ecosystems, and impacting agricultural productivity.
  • Deforestation (tree removal) exposes soil to wind and rain, leading to soil loss. Loss of tree roots reduces soil binding, increasing susceptibility to erosion.
  • Overgrazing removes vegetation cover, leading to soil compaction and increased runoff.
  • Unsustainable agricultural practices (monocropping, tillage) deplete soil nutrients and weaken soil structure, increasing vulnerability to erosion.
  • Mining activities (surface mining, tailings disposal) remove topsoil, leading to soil contamination and erosion.
  • Urbanization and construction (land clearing) expose soil, and impervious surfaces increase runoff.
  • Industrial activities can contribute to soil pollution and erosion through the release of industrial waste and emission.

Pollution and Climate Change

  • Pollution from industrial waste weakens soil structure and promotes erosion. Heat and emissions can lead to acid rain, degrading soil and washing away nutrients.
  • Irrigation mismanagement (overwatering) can lead to waterlogging and soil erosion.
  • Climate change (human-induced) intensifies rainfall, floods, and droughts, exacerbating soil erosion.
  • Desertification (expansion of deserts) increases wind erosion due to human-driven climate change and unsustainable land use.

Renewable Energy Sources

  • Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replenished naturally.
  • Solar energy derives from the Sun's radiation. Photovoltaic (PV) cells and solar thermal systems convert sunlight into electricity or heat.
  • Wind energy uses wind turbines to convert wind kinetic energy to mechanical energy then to electricity.
  • Hydropower uses the movement of water to generate electricity via dams or run-of-river systems.
  • Biomass energy uses organic materials like wood, agricultural crops, or waste to generate heat or electricity.
  • Geothermal energy harnesses heat from beneath the Earth's surface to generate electricity.

Water Exploitation Effects

  • Over-exploitation of surface and groundwater leads to severe environmental, economic, and social consequences.
  • Declining water tables affect groundwater access, drying wells, and compacting aquifers.
  • Reduced surface water levels lead to drying rivers and lakes, impacting wetland ecosystems.
  • Water quality degradation includes salinity increases near coastal areas due to seawater intrusion.

Water Pollution and Usage

  • Reduced water levels can lead to pollutant accumulation, making water unsuitable for drinking and agriculture.
  • Arsenic and fluoride contamination can result from excessive pumping into deeper aquifers.
  • Soil degradation from waterlogging and salinity can result from improper irrigation practices.
  • Reduced irrigation capacity can threaten food security and lead to crop failures.
  • Loss of biodiversity and aquatic life results from over-extraction from wetlands, rivers, and lakes.
  • Groundwater depletion contributes to desertification.

India's Megadiversity

  • India is a megadiverse country ranking among top 10 countries for biodiversity.
  • Varied geography, climate, and history contribute to the country's diversity of ecosystems.
  • Varied altitudes (Himalayan Mountains to coastal plains) produce distinct microclimates.
  • Water bodies (rivers, lakes, coastal regions) create habitats for diverse aquatic species.
  • Diverse ecosystems encompass tropical, subtropical, temperate, and alpine climates, supporting a vast array of flora and fauna.
  • High plant species count, medicinal plants, agricultural crops, timber, and endemic plant species.

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