Environment – GK Questions

Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from fossil fuel combustion react with atmospheric moisture to form sulfuric and nitric acids, causing acid rain.

Ozone (O3) in the stratosphere protects from UV radiation, but at ground level it is a harmful pollutant and greenhouse gas.

pH scale ranges from 0 (highly acidic) to 14 (highly alkaline); most natural waters have pH between 6.5 and 8.5, suitable for aquatic life.

Photochemical smog forms when sunlight triggers reactions between NOx and VOCs, producing ozone, PAN, and other secondary pollutants harmful to health.

Active transport encourages physical activity, lowers greenhouse gases, reduces noise, and creates people-friendly urban spaces.

Urban wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainwater, filtering pollutants, and providing habitat for diverse species.

Integrated waste management prioritizes waste reduction, resource recovery, and safe disposal to minimize environmental and health impacts.

AMRUT aims to ensure basic urban infrastructure services for improved quality of life, especially for the poor and disadvantaged.

Urban noise pollution from vehicles, machinery, and events can cause health issues like stress, sleep disturbance, and hearing impairment.

Vegetated building surfaces provide insulation, absorb CO2, filter pollutants, reduce stormwater runoff, and enhance urban biodiversity.

TOD reduces vehicle dependence, lowers emissions, and enhances accessibility by integrating land use and transport planning around transit stations.

Smart Cities leverage ICT, IoT, and data analytics for efficient service delivery, resource management, and citizen engagement in urban governance.

Concrete, asphalt, and reduced vegetation absorb and re-emit heat, while waste heat from vehicles and buildings elevates urban temperatures.

Sustainable cities prioritize compact design, multimodal transport, resource efficiency, and livability to reduce ecological footprint and enhance quality of life.

Audience-centered communication that resonates with local beliefs and priorities is more likely to inspire understanding, attitude change, and action.

Initiated by WWF, Earth Hour symbolizes collective commitment to environmental action and sparks conversations about sustainability beyond the event.

Interpretation through signage, guides, and exhibits connects visitors emotionally and intellectually to nature, fostering stewardship and responsible behavior.

Swachh Vidyalaya ensures functional toilets, handwashing stations, waste management, and cleanliness drives to create healthy learning environments.

Adopting the 3Rs minimizes waste generation, conserves resources, and reduces pollution, contributing to sustainable consumption patterns.

Strategic communication through TV, radio, social media, and print can disseminate information, shape attitudes, and motivate collective action for sustainability.