Environmental Science MCQs

Correct Answer: a) Greenhouse gases

Explanation:
The Kyoto Protocol (1997) was the first international treaty to set legally binding targets for 37 industrialized countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2% below 1990 levels during 2008-2012. It introduced market-based mechanisms like emissions trading.

Correct Answer: b) Kyoto Protocol

Explanation:
The Paris Agreement (2015) succeeded the Kyoto Protocol as the primary international climate agreement. Unlike Kyoto's binding targets for developed nations only, Paris requires all 196 parties to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with voluntary targets.

Correct Answer: b) Renewable energy capacity

Explanation:
India's Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (2015) pledged to: (1) Reduce emissions intensity by 33-35% below 2005 levels by 2030, (2) Achieve 40% non-fossil fuel electricity capacity, and (3) Create carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tons through additional forest cover.

Correct Answer: b) 1992

Explanation:
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 and entered into force in 1994. It established the annual Conference of Parties (COP) meetings and the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities."

Correct Answer: b) Genetic resources

Explanation:
The Nagoya Protocol (2010) under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) governs access to genetic resources and fair benefit-sharing from their utilization. It aims to prevent biopiracy and ensure indigenous communities benefit from commercial use of their traditional knowledge.

Correct Answer: b) HFCs

Explanation:
The Kigali Amendment (2016) to the Montreal Protocol mandates the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) - potent greenhouse gases used in refrigerants and air conditioners. A complete phase-out could avoid 0.5°C global warming by 2100. India will freeze HFC use by 2028.

Correct Answer: b) Wetlands

Explanation:
The Ramsar Convention (1971) provides the framework for conservation and wise use of wetlands. India has 75 Ramsar sites (2023) including Chilika Lake and Keoladeo National Park. Wetlands act as water filters, flood buffers, and carbon sinks while supporting biodiversity.

Correct Answer: b) Endangered species

Explanation:
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES, 1975) regulates cross-border trade of over 38,000 species through a permit system. Appendix I bans commercial trade (e.g., tigers), while Appendix II-III allow regulated trade (e.g., mahogany wood).

Correct Answer: d) Regulate

Explanation:
The 3R hierarchy prioritizes: (1) Reduce (minimize waste generation), (2) Reuse (use items repeatedly), and (3) Recycle (process materials into new products). Some frameworks add "Recover" (energy from waste) and "Dispose" as last options.

Correct Answer: b) Lead and mercury

Explanation:
E-waste contains toxic heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium) and chemicals (brominated flame retardants). India's E-Waste Rules (2016) mandate Extended Producer Responsibility. Only 22.7% of 1.6 million tons generated annually is recycled through formal channels.

Correct Answer: b) Yellow

Explanation:
Biomedical Waste Rules (2016) specify color coding: Yellow (infectious waste, anatomical waste), Red (contaminated plastics), White (sharps), and Blue (glassware/medicines). India generates 774 tons/day, with 88% treated properly as per CPCB (2021).

Correct Answer: b) Leachate contamination

Explanation:
Sanitary landfills have: (1) Clay/geosynthetic liners to prevent leachate seepage into groundwater, (2) Leachate collection systems, (3) Gas venting for methane, and (4) Daily soil cover. India has only 1,168 operational landfills, many exceeding capacity.

Correct Answer: b) Styrofoam

Explanation:
Styrofoam (polystyrene foam) is rarely recycled due to high processing costs and low density. Most curbside programs don't accept it. Aluminum has infinite recyclability (75% energy savings), glass and paper can be recycled 7-9 times before fiber degradation.

Correct Answer: b) Sanitation and waste

Explanation:
Launched in 2014, SBM aims for: (1) Open defecation free India (built 110 million toilets), (2) Solid waste management (100% collection), and (3) Behavioral change. Phase-II (2020-25) focuses on sustainable waste management through source segregation and processing.

Correct Answer: d) 2022

Explanation:
The 2022 amendment to Plastic Waste Management Rules bans single-use plastics (SUPs) like plates, cups, and straws. It mandates EPR for producers and brand owners, increases thickness of carry bags to 120 microns (phased), and promotes alternative materials.

Correct Answer: b) Organic waste

Explanation:
Composting aerobically decomposes organic matter (food scraps, yard waste) into nutrient-rich humus. Methods include: (1) Windrow (large-scale), (2) Vermicomposting (using worms), and (3) Bokashi (anaerobic). India's urban areas generate 50-60% organic waste, but only 20% gets composted.

Correct Answer: b) 90%

Explanation:
Modern incinerators burn waste at 850-1200°C, reducing volume by 90% and weight by 70%. They generate energy (1 ton waste = 500-600 kWh) but require pollution controls for dioxins, heavy metals. India has 8 operational WTE plants processing 7,000 TPD waste.

Correct Answer: b) Manufacturers

Explanation:
EPR makes producers responsible for product's end-of-life management. India's EPR framework covers e-waste, plastic, batteries, and tires. Producers must: (1) Collect back waste, (2) Set up recycling systems, and (3) File annual returns with CPCB.