Environment and Sustainable Development Test - 3

 

Example of overuse of environmental resources:

• Deforestation: The excessive cutting down of trees for various purposes such as urbanization, agriculture, and timber production leads to deforestation. This process disrupts the natural balance of ecosystems, contributes to climate change, and leads to the loss of habitats for many species.


• Land degradation: Overuse and misuse of land through practices like excessive agriculture, mining, and urban development can lead to land degradation. This includes soil erosion, desertification, and the loss of soil fertility, which negatively impacts agricultural productivity and biodiversity.


 

Explanation:
Deforestation and land degradation are examples of overuse of environmental resources. Deforestation involves the removal of trees on a large scale, which disrupts the balance of ecosystems and contributes to climate change. Land degradation, on the other hand, refers to the deterioration of land quality due to human activities, resulting in reduced soil fertility and loss of biodiversity.
Both deforestation and land degradation have significant negative impacts on the environment. They lead to the loss of habitats for many species, contribute to climate change through the release of carbon dioxide, and reduce the capacity of ecosystems to provide important services such as clean air and water. Moreover, these activities can also have socio-economic consequences, such as the loss of livelihoods for communities dependent on forests and agricultural land.
It is essential to address these issues through sustainable practices such as reforestation, which involves planting trees to restore forests, and land restoration programs that aim to improve soil fertility and prevent further degradation. By promoting responsible land use and conservation efforts, we can mitigate the overuse of environmental resources and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

 

 

 

Deforestation leads to:

• Air pollution: Deforestation contributes to air pollution in several ways:
  
  
  • The loss of trees means a reduction in the number of plants available to absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, leading to increased levels of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.
  
  
  • With fewer trees, there is less transpiration, which is the process by which water is released into the atmosphere. This can result in decreased humidity and altered rainfall patterns, further contributing to air pollution.
  
  
  • Deforestation often involves burning trees, which releases harmful pollutants and particulate matter into the air.
  
  
   


• Land degradation: Deforestation can lead to land degradation in the following ways:
  
  
  • Removal of trees and vegetation disrupts the stability of the soil, making it more susceptible to erosion by wind and water.
  
  
  • Without the protective canopy of trees, the soil is exposed to direct sunlight, leading to increased evaporation and reduced moisture retention.
  
  
  • Deforestation can also result in the loss of nutrient-rich topsoil, which is essential for plant growth.
  
  
   


• Biodiversity loss: Deforestation has a significant impact on biodiversity:
  
  
  • Forests are home to a wide range of plant and animal species. When forests are cleared, these species lose their habitat and may struggle to survive or become extinct.
  
  
  • Deforestation disrupts ecological balance and can lead to the loss of keystone species, which play a crucial role in maintaining the health and stability of ecosystems.
  
  
  • The destruction of forests also reduces the availability of resources for indigenous communities and affects their way of life.
  
  
   


 

 

Therefore, deforestation leads to air pollution, land degradation, and biodiversity loss, making option D ("All of these") the correct answer.

 

 

 

The black soil of the Deccan Plateau is particularly suitable for cultivation of cotton.
Reasons:
- The black soil, also known as regur or black cotton soil, is rich in clay and organic matter, making it highly fertile.
- Cotton requires well-drained soil with good moisture retention, and the black soil of the Deccan Plateau meets these requirements.
- The high clay content of the soil allows it to retain moisture, preventing water from draining away quickly.
- The organic matter present in the soil enhances its fertility and nutrient-holding capacity, promoting healthy growth of cotton plants.
- The black soil also has good aeration, which is beneficial for root development and overall plant growth.
- Cotton is a major cash crop in India, and the Deccan Plateau region, with its black soil, is one of the largest cotton-growing areas in the country.
- The climate of the Deccan Plateau, characterized by hot summers and moderate rainfall, further supports the cultivation of cotton.
Additional Information:
- The Deccan Plateau is located in central and southern India.
- Apart from cotton, other crops such as soybeans, sorghum, and millets can also be cultivated in the black soil of the Deccan Plateau.

 

 

India's Iron-Ore Reserves
India is one of the largest producers and exporters of iron ore in the world. To understand the percentage of the world's total iron-ore reserves accounted for by India, we need to determine the correct answer from the given options.
Analysis:
- Option A: 50%
- Option B: 20%
- Option C: 30%
- Option D: 40%
To find the correct answer, we must consider the following information:
- India's iron-ore reserves are estimated to be around 25 billion tons.
- The world's total iron-ore reserves are estimated to be around 170 billion tons.

To calculate the percentage, we can use the formula:
Percentage = (India's iron-ore reserves / World's total iron-ore reserves) * 100
Using this formula, we can calculate the percentage for each option:
- Option A: (25 billion tons / 170 billion tons) * 100 = 14.7%
- Option B: (25 billion tons / 170 billion tons) * 100 = 14.7%
- Option C: (25 billion tons / 170 billion tons) * 100 = 14.7%
- Option D: (25 billion tons / 170 billion tons) * 100 = 14.7%
Based on our calculations, none of the given options are correct. It seems there might be an error in the question or the options provided.
Therefore, we cannot determine the exact percentage of the world's total iron-ore reserves accounted for by India based on the given information.

 

 

 

Sunderlal Bahuguna, a noted environmentalist who initiated the Chipko Movement, was born on January 9, 1927. The man who has been fighting for the preservation of forests in the Himalayas celebrates his 90th birthday today.

 

 

 

 

Land degradation is a process of deterioration or loss of the productive capacity of the soils for present and future, which is majorly induced by human beings. Land degradation is happening at an alarming pace, contributing to a dramatic decline in the productivity of croplands and rangelands worldwide.
Therefore, once a land is destroyed or depleted it is not good for vegetation so the resolution for that is deforestation in order to gain fertile land. So this cannot be the factor responsible for land degradation.

 

 

 

To find the per capita forestland in the country, we need to divide the total forestland by the population of the country. The given options are:
A: 0.80 hectare
B: 0.82 hectare
C: 0.08 hectare
D: 8.0 hectare
To determine the correct answer, we can use the following steps:
1. Calculate the total forestland: Since the question does not provide this information, we cannot calculate it. Therefore, we cannot determine the correct answer based on this information.
2. Calculate the population of the country: Again, the question does not provide this information, so we cannot calculate it. Without knowing the population, we cannot determine the correct answer.
3. Compare the given options: Since we cannot calculate the per capita forestland without knowing the total forestland and population, we cannot determine the correct answer based on the given options.
Therefore, based on the information provided in the question, we cannot determine the per capita forestland in the country.

 

 

Estimates of soil erosion show that soil is being eroded at a rate of ____ excess of the recharge capacity
To determine the correct option, let's analyze each given option and compare it with the concept of soil erosion and recharge capacity:
A: 5.3
- This option suggests that soil erosion is occurring at a rate of 5.3 times higher than the recharge capacity.
B: 3.5
- This option suggests that soil erosion is occurring at a rate of 3.5 times higher than the recharge capacity.
C: 4.3
- This option suggests that soil erosion is occurring at a rate of 4.3 times higher than the recharge capacity.
D: 2.5
- This option suggests that soil erosion is occurring at a rate of 2.5 times higher than the recharge capacity.
Based on the concept of soil erosion and recharge capacity, the correct answer is option A: 5.3. This means that soil erosion is happening at a rate 5.3 times greater than the recharge capacity.
It is important to note that soil erosion at a rate exceeding the recharge capacity can lead to detrimental effects on soil fertility, water quality, and ecosystem health. Soil conservation practices, such as contour plowing, terracing, and cover cropping, are essential to minimize soil erosion and maintain sustainable agriculture practices.

 

 

India's Support to the World's Population
India, with its limited geographical area, supports a significant portion of the world's human and livestock population. Let's break down the given information and calculate the percentages:
Human Population:
- India's population is approximately 1.3 billion people, which accounts for about 17.7% of the global population.
- To calculate the percentage of the world's human population supported by India, we divide India's population by the global population and multiply by 100.
- Therefore, India supports approximately 16% (rounded off) of the world's human population.
Livestock Population:
- India has a diverse livestock population, including cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep, and more.
- According to the latest statistics, India has around 512 million livestock animals, including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, and pig.
- To calculate the percentage of the world's livestock population supported by India, we divide India's livestock population by the global livestock population and multiply by 100.
- Therefore, India supports approximately 20% (rounded off) of the world's livestock population.
Conclusion:
India's support to the world's population is remarkable, considering its relatively small geographical area. With only 2.5% of the world's land, India supports around 16% of the global human population and approximately 20% of the livestock population. This showcases India's agricultural and farming capabilities, as well as its ability to sustain a large population.

 

 

What does CPCB stand for?
The acronym CPCB stands for Central Pollution Control Board.
Explanation:
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change in India. It was established in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. The main objective of the CPCB is to promote cleanliness of streams and wells, prevention and control of water pollution, and improvement of air quality.
The correct answer is option C: Central Pollution Control Board.