Issues on Environment, Biodiversity & Climate Change (Part-III)

Total Questions: 50

21. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for : [2017-1]

Correct Answer: (c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems
Solution:The amount of oxygen required by bacteria to break down the organic matter present in a certain volume of a sample of water, is called Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). The amount of BOD in the water is a measure of the amount of organic material in the water, in terms of how much oxygen will be required to break it down biologically. Clean water would have BOD value of less than 5 ppm whereas highly polluted water could have a BOD value of 17 ppm or more.

22. In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique? [2017-1]

1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.

2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using micro-organisms.

3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Solution:Biosparging is an in-Situ Bioremediation techniques in which we inject the air under pressure below the water table to enhance the rate of biological degradation of contaminants by naturally occurring bacteria. Hence statement 1 is right. In Google Scholar search engine is filled with academic papers on genetic engineering approaches to bioremediation. Hence 3 is also right. But not all compounds are susceptible to rapid and complete biodegradation, and bioremediation often takes longer time than other treatment processes. So, second statement unlikely to be correct. Hence, answer "C" 1 and 3 only.

23. In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, which of the following can be the potential sites for carbon sequestration? [2017-1]

1. Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams

2. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs

3. Subterranean deep saline formations

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:Carbon sequestration may be carried out by pumping carbon into carbon sinks of two types:

A. Natural sinks- ocean, forest, soil etc.

B. Artificial sink- depleted oil reserve, unminable mines. So statement 1 and 2 are correct.

And deep Saline Formations infact have highest capacity for this. So accordingly, answer is "D".

24. It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry? [2017-1]

1. Production of algae based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.

2. Setting up and engineering the algae based biofuel production requires high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed.

3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Solution:1. algae and cyanobacteria biomass production in the U.S. desert Southwest could be perceived as a good use of low-value land by some, but as an intrusion into pristine land by others. Similarly, the use of genetically modified organisms in production systems could affect social acceptability. So this is social concern. [and it also proves statement #1 wrong.]

2. Open Algal ponds will attract insect larvae invasion and affect predator-prey balance. This is ecological concern. Hence Statement 3 is right.

3. And the report discussed challenges production and technology. Hence answer 2 and 3.

25. With reference to 'Global Climate Change Alliance', which of the following statements is/are correct? [2017-1]

1. It is an initiative of the European Union.

2. It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.

3. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Solution:

• The European Union established the Global Climate Change Alliance in 2007 to strengthen climate change assistance between developing nations and the European Union (EU).
• This effort focuses on improving climatic conditions in the most vulnerable areas, such as Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.
• The GCCA does not intend to establish a new fund or governance structure, but rather to work through the European Commission’s established channels for national and international political dialogue and cooperation.
• GCCA entered a new phase in 2015 when it became the flagship initiative Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (GCCA+).
• The second phase of EU GCCA funding increased from EUR 317.5 million in the first phase (2007–2014) to EUR 420 million (2014–2020).
• This new phase is distinguished by new features and a strategic focus on supporting the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals.
• Since 2017, GCCA+ has been expanded to incorporate evaluation efforts.

26. Consider the following statements: [2017-1]

1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries.

2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
Solution:

• Founded in 2012, and convened within UNEP, The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is a voluntary partnership of more than 190 governments, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations.
• The CCAC works to reduce powerful but short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) – methane, black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and tropospheric ozone – that drive both climate change and air pollution. It aims to connect ambitious long-term climate setting with targeted immediate action within countries and sectors. Robust science and analysis underpin its efforts. It supports action to reduce short-lived climate pollutants in more than 70 countries through the funding of projects and the individual actions of its partners.
• The partnership works to reduce global warming in the near-term to achieve Paris Agreement goals and support economic development, improved health, and environmental and food security benefits.
• The CCAC funds projects that implement methane policy and mitigation measures around the world. It also provides secretariat functions of the Global Methane Pledge and the coordination group of Lowering Organic Waste Methane Initiative is housed in CCAC.

27. Which of the following statements best describes the term Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A), recently seen in the news? [2017-1]

Correct Answer: (b) It is a scheme of RBI for reworking the financial structure of big corporate entities facing genuine difficulties.
Solution:

The Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A) was introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2016 as part of a broader effort to tackle the issue of non-performing assets (NPAs) in the Indian banking system. The primary goal of the S4A was to help resolve the issue of high levels of stressed assets in banks' balance sheets, especially those arising from large corporate borrowers.
Background and Key Features of S4A:
• Rising NPAs in Indian Banks: Before the introduction of S4A, Indian banks, particularly public sector banks, were grappling with a rising tide of NPAs. This was largely due to slowdown in certain sectors of the economy and some instances of financial mismanagement in big corporate entities.
• Objective: The S4A aimed to ensure the long-term viability of stressed borrowers with a sustainable portion of debt, and provide banks with an avenue for recovering their loans.
• Eligibility Criteria: The scheme was applicable to projects that had started commercial operations where the total exposure of all institutional lenders in the account was more than ₹500 crore. Moreover, the scheme was intended for those cases where the stress was due to operational or financial difficulties of the corporate borrower, rather than any fraudulent activity.
• Debt Restructuring: Under S4A, banks were allowed to bifurcate the existing debt of stressed companies into ‘sustainable’ and ‘unsustainable’. The sustainable portion was that part of the debt which could be serviced by the company even in its stressed condition, while the unsustainable part was the portion that could not be serviced.

28. Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news? [2018-1]

Correct Answer: (b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.
Solution:

About Prosopis juliflora
• It is a shrub or small tree in the family Fabaceae, a kind of mesquite.
• It is native to Mexico, South America and the Caribbean.
• It is one of the most invasive species in arid and semi-arid areas.
• It was brought to Delhi by the British in the 1920s when the national capital was being built.
• In India it is known locally by many names such as Bellary jaali, seemai karuvelam, seemai jaali, gando baval, vilayati kikar.
• It has a very wide ecological adaptability which can grow on soils from sand dune to clay soil, and from 0 to alkaline soil type.
• It can grow below 200 to above 1500 m above sea level, and with a mean annual rainfall ranging from 50 to 1500 mm.
• It is considered an invasive plant.
• It is characterized by vigorous growth which helps them to outcompete indigenous plant species.

29. Which of the following statements best describes "carbon fertilization"? [2018-1]

Correct Answer: (a) Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
Solution:

• Carbon fertilization is a phenomenon that occurs when plants experience an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. As carbon dioxide is a vital component for photosynthesis, an increase in its concentration can lead to an increase in plant growth and productivity. This effect is commonly observed in crops, forests, and other vegetation.
• Studies have shown that carbon fertilization can result in increased crop yields, which is beneficial for food security. It can also enhance the productivity of forests, which are important for mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• Furthermore, the effect of carbon fertilization is supported by experiments that have shown that plants grown under elevated carbon dioxide concentrations have higher rates of photosynthesis, increased water-use efficiency, and reduced stomatal conductance. These effects can lead to increased biomass production, more efficient use of water resources, and improved plant health.

30. The term "sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction" is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of : [2018-1]

Correct Answer: (d) Mankind's over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.
Solution:

• A mass extinction is a short period of geological time in which a high percentage of biodiversity, or distinct species—bacteria, fungi, plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates—dies out.
• In this definition, it’s important to note that, in geological time, a ‘short’ period can span thousands or even millions of years.
• The planet has experienced five previous mass extinction events, the last one occurring 65.5 million years ago which wiped out the dinosaurs from existence.
• Experts now believe we’re in the midst of a sixth mass extinction.
• The Living Planet Report by WWF: According to the report, there has been a 69 per cent decline in the wildlife populations of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish, across the globe in the last 50 years.
• Marine species: Scientists have also warned of an imminent mass annihilation of marine species similar to one 250 million years ago that wiped out most lives in oceans.
• Migratory fish species: Habitat loss and barriers to migration routes were responsible for about half of the threats to monitored migratory fish species.
• Human induced: Humans have annihilated 83 per cent of all wild mammals and half of all plants, according to a census of the biomass on Earth.