Environment Month Online Quiz-2

The first emission norms for petrol engines were introduced in 1991. This means that before 1991, there were no specific regulations or standards in place to control the emissions from petrol engines. The introduction of these norms in 1991 marked a significant step towards reducing air pollution caused by vehicle emissions.

The theme of World Environment Day 2019 is "Beat Air Pollution". This is evident from the repetition of the phrase "Beat air pollution, beat air pollution, BEAT AIR POLLUTION, Beat Air Pollution" in the given answer. The emphasis on air pollution suggests that this is the main focus of the theme for that year.

A rise in temperature is expected to increase the level of the sea through multiple mechanisms. Firstly, as temperatures rise, ocean water expands due to thermal expansion, causing the sea level to rise. Secondly, higher temperatures lead to the melting of mountain glaciers, which adds more water to the oceans and contributes to sea level rise. Lastly, the warming of the Earth also causes the ice sheets of Antarctica and Greenland to melt and slide into the oceans, further increasing the sea level. Therefore, all of the above factors contribute to the rise in sea level due to a rise in temperature.

Sulphur dioxide is responsible for turning the Taj Mahal yellow. Sulphur dioxide is released into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels, industrial processes, and vehicle emissions. When sulphur dioxide combines with moisture in the air, it forms sulphuric acid. This acid then reacts with the marble of the Taj Mahal, causing it to turn yellow over time. This phenomenon, known as marble discoloration, is a major concern for the preservation of the Taj Mahal and other historical monuments.

Exposure to indoor second hand smoke, dirty cooking fuel, and dampness increases the risk of tuberculosis in children. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. Second hand smoke can weaken the immune system, making children more susceptible to tuberculosis. Dirty cooking fuel, such as coal or wood, can release harmful pollutants that can damage the lungs and increase the risk of developing tuberculosis. Dampness in indoor environments can promote the growth of mold and bacteria, which can also contribute to the development of tuberculosis.

Supersonic jets cause pollution by thinning the O3 layer, also known as the ozone layer. Ozone is a gas that forms a protective layer in the Earth's stratosphere, shielding the planet from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, the emissions from supersonic jets, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), can react with ozone molecules, leading to their depletion. This thinning of the ozone layer allows more UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface, which can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment.

The correct answer is "Vegetable peels" because they are considered organic waste. Organic waste refers to any waste that is biodegradable, meaning it can be broken down by natural processes. Vegetable peels, being derived from plant material, can decompose naturally and are commonly categorized as organic waste.

Excess of fluoride in drinking water can lead to fluorosis. Fluorosis is a condition that affects the teeth and bones, causing discoloration and weakening. It occurs when the body accumulates too much fluoride over time, usually from sources like water, food, or dental products. Symptoms of fluorosis can range from mild discoloration to severe enamel damage and skeletal abnormalities. Therefore, the correct answer is fluorosis.

Conservation refers to the careful use and protection of nature, including wildlife and their habitats, to ensure their survival and sustainability. In the context of the Kaziranga sanctuary, conservation is crucial in safeguarding the rhinos from hunters and preserving their natural environment. It involves implementing measures to prevent harm to the ecosystem and maintaining a balance between human activities and the needs of the wildlife. Conservation efforts aim to preserve biodiversity, protect endangered species, and promote sustainable practices for the long-term well-being of the environment.

Planted forests and woodlots are the most efficient at removing carbon from the atmosphere because they involve intentionally planting trees, which are known to absorb and store carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis. This method allows for a controlled and targeted approach to carbon sequestration, as specific tree species can be selected and managed for optimal carbon storage. In contrast, agroforestry combines agricultural and forestry practices, magrove restoration focuses on coastal ecosystems, and natural regeneration relies on the spontaneous regrowth of forests, all of which may have varying levels of effectiveness in removing carbon from the atmosphere.

The "safe operating space" for humanity in terms of aerosol optical depth is a value that is less than or equal to 0.25. This means that as long as the aerosol optical depth remains below or equal to 0.25, the amount of sunlight absorbed or reflected by the Earth's atmosphere is within a range that is considered safe for human activities. Higher values would indicate increased levels of sunlight penetration, which could have potential negative impacts on the environment and human health.

Exposure to smog can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems like breathing difficulties. This explains why option (iv) "Breathing Problem" is caused by smog. Additionally, smog contains harmful pollutants such as particulate matter and chemicals, which can damage the skin and increase the risk of developing skin cancer (iii). Furthermore, smog often contains carcinogenic substances like benzene and formaldehyde, which can lead to throat cancer (ii). Therefore, options (i), (ii), and (iv) are all diseases that can be caused by smog.

Eco-Action Day is celebrated on World Environment Day to inspire people to reduce energy consumption at the workplace. This event encourages individuals and organizations to take action and implement sustainable practices to conserve energy and protect the environment. By promoting energy-saving initiatives, Eco-Action Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing energy consumption and its positive impact on the environment.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measurement that indicates the level of air pollution in a specific area. It takes into account various pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Therefore, the correct answer is that it measures ozone levels in your area, as it is one of the pollutants considered in calculating the AQI.

Slovenia is the correct answer because it is one of the countries that have established legislation for mandatory Human Biomonitoring (HBM) programs. HBM is a methodology used to assess the presence and levels of substances in the human body. While France and Japan are mentioned as options, there is no information provided about whether they have established legislation for mandatory HBM programs. Therefore, the answer is Slovenia.