Fortnightly Environment Politics Quiz

Questions and Answers

How many confirmed mpox cases were reported in Africa since January 2024?

3,900 (correct)

6,000

19,000

25,000

Which country accounts for over 90% of confirmed mpox cases in Africa in 2024?

South Africa

Democratic Republic of Congo (correct)

Nigeria

Kenya

What percentage of mpox patients are children?

75%

50%

62% (correct)

40%

What proportion of deaths from mpox have occurred in those under 15 years old?

Four out of five Signup and view all the answers

Since when has mpox been endemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

1970 Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of suspected mpox cases in the DRC for 2024?

19,000 Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT contribute to the current mpox epidemic in DRC?

Increase in vaccination rates Signup and view all the answers

What age group primarily suffers from mpox-related deaths?

Children under 15 Signup and view all the answers

What vital function is primarily responsible for producing glucose and oxygen in plants?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What happens to leaves when exposed to temperatures beyond the T50 threshold?

They undergo irreversible damage Signup and view all the answers

What does transpiration help to maintain in plants?

Internal temperature Signup and view all the answers

What is the critical temperature point at which leaf efficiency drops to 50 percent, referred to as?

T50 Signup and view all the answers

Which two scientists are mentioned in the study regarding tree vulnerability to climate change?

Barua and Sastry Signup and view all the answers

What factors did the study monitor in relation to the trees?

Temperature tolerance and climate change Signup and view all the answers

During drought, what happens to water threads in trees?

They are pulled away from the roots Signup and view all the answers

What forms of damage can leaves experience beyond the critical temperature point?

Cell mortality and tissue necrosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the online training offered by the School of Water and Waste?

Basics of decentralized wastewater treatment and local reuse Signup and view all the answers

Who is the target audience for the online training course?

Working professionals and decision makers Signup and view all the answers

When does the training course on decentralized wastewater treatment start?

30th September, 2024 Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of the online training course?

6 hours a week for 4 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What is a key environmental focus in the content?

Combatting the climate change crisis Signup and view all the answers

Which significant day is highlighted in the content?

Ozone Day Signup and view all the answers

What misconception is mentioned regarding Africa's mpox epidemic?

It has no connection to climate impacts Signup and view all the answers

What is a key issue addressed in the context of India's tropical forests?

Climate impact assessments Signup and view all the answers

What does T50 help scientists assess regarding trees?

Thermal safety margins Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon can lead to the death of a tree according to the discussed content?

Xylem embolism Signup and view all the answers

How is the vulnerability of tree species to drought evaluated?

By measuring water potential in branches Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of leaf temperature is highlighted in the content?

It can exceed air temperature by considerable margins. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of having low thermal safety margins for tree species?

Trees are likely to severely struggle with increasing temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

Which species of trees are indicated to be highly vulnerable to warming?

Tropical forest tree species in India Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'hydraulic vulnerability threshold' refer to?

The point of 50% loss in water conducting ability Signup and view all the answers

What protective mechanism might prevent xylem embolism in some tree species?

Thick wax coat on leaves Signup and view all the answers

What is the method to subscribe to the service mentioned?

SMS ‘dte Subscribe’ to 56070 Signup and view all the answers

Who is the contact person for advertisements?

Jyoti Ghosh Signup and view all the answers

What is the topic of the Ozone Day special?

New threats to the ozone layer Signup and view all the answers

What does the initiative mentioned aim to do?

Train and employ women at key positions in faecal sludge plants Signup and view all the answers

What is being examined in the article regarding Chipko movement?

Myths associated with the movement Signup and view all the answers

What might be a focus of the study on tree mortality?

Evidence on future climate impacts on forests Signup and view all the answers

What crisis is referred to in the article about carbon markets?

Climate change crisis Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated as a significant issue in the section about jobs?

High unemployment rates and lack of faith in democracy Signup and view all the answers

Which region's red jackfruit varieties were noted for popularity due to local fests?

Southern India Signup and view all the answers

What does the report on Mpox focus on?

Congo's internal political dynamics in combating mpox Signup and view all the answers

What is the main environmental concern highlighted in the context of the Great Nicobar project?

Effects on island ecosystems and native tribes Signup and view all the answers

What is being critiqued in the Patently Absurd section?

Absurdities in patent laws affecting innovation Signup and view all the answers

What role does Jyoti Ghosh serve in the publication?

Advertising coordinator Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ozone Day Special

Focus on carbon markets and their potential to address climate change.
Features discussions on climate impacts on India's tropical forests, and the economics surrounding Africa's mpox epidemic.

Mpox Epidemic in Africa

Over 3,900 confirmed mpox cases and 52 deaths reported in Africa as of 2024, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) accounting for the majority.
DRC shows 19,000 suspected cases and 650 deaths in 2024; children represent 62% of patients, with a high mortality rate in those under 15.
Current vaccines are approved only for adults, complicating treatment in vulnerable populations.

Underlying Issues of the Mpox Crisis

The resurgence of the epidemic linked to relaxed preventive measures, health system challenges, and socio-economic factors impacting rural healthcare.

Tree Mortality and Climate Change

Research indicates that tropical forest tree species in India are highly vulnerable to warming, with thermal safety margins alarmingly low (3.5°C to 8°C).
T50 (temperature at which leaves experience irreversible damage) is identified as critical for understanding tree vulnerability.
Study employs monitoring of tree species’ water potential and their capacity to manage drought stress.

Impact of Elevated Temperatures on Trees

Temperature tolerance tests reveal that leaves may suffer irreversible damage and cell mortality at elevated temperatures.
Dilemma faced by trees during droughts includes whether to transpire and cool leaves or conserve water by closing stomata, impacting photosynthesis.

Innovative Research Methods

Incorporation of new methods for real-time monitoring of leaf temperatures and hydraulic vulnerability in tree species, enhancing predictions of climate change impacts.

Additional Highlights

Ozone Day commemorations stress the importance of climate action and awareness on ozone layer challenges exacerbated by space programs.
Interviews and opinion pieces offer insights into regional projects, such as the Great Nicobar project and initiatives to empower women in environmental sectors.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key environmental issues and the politics surrounding them in this special Ozone Day edition. This quiz covers topics related to development, health, and environmental awareness for the period of 16-30 September 2024.