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Environmental Issues MCQ — 50 Practice Questions with Answers

Practice 50 Environmental Issues multiple-choice questions with detailed answers and explanations. Ideal for RAS/RPSC exam preparation.

50 Questions World Geography

Practice Questions

Q1. Statement I: The Montreal Protocol (1987) specifically addresses the reduction of greenhouse gases responsible for climate change. Statement II: The Montreal Protocol is recognized as one of the most successful multilateral environmental agreements, having achieved near-universal ratification and measurable recovery of the ozone layer. Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A I only
B II only Correct
C Both I and II
D Neither I nor II

Explanation

Statement I is incorrect: The Montreal Protocol (1987) targets ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and halons — NOT greenhouse gases causing climate change. Climate change is addressed by the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement. Statement II is correct: The Montreal Protocol has achieved universal ratification (all 198 UN members), and scientific monitoring confirms that the ozone layer is on a recovery path, making it the most successful MEA in history.

Q2. Which of the following correctly matches the environmental treaty with its year of adoption?

A Ramsar Convention — 1987
B CITES — 1973 Correct
C UNFCCC — 1987
D UNCCD — 1987

Explanation

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) was adopted in Washington D.C. in 1973 and entered into force in 1975. It regulates international trade in over 38,000 species through three Appendices (I: most endangered, II: not threatened but may become so, III: protected in at least one country).

Q3. Which of the following correctly describes 'permafrost thawing' as a climate feedback mechanism?

A A negative feedback that absorbs CO2 and slows climate change
B A positive feedback where thawing releases stored CO2 and methane, further warming the atmosphere Correct
C A process limited only to the Antarctic region with no impact on global climate
D A process that only releases water vapor, which reflects sunlight and cools the Earth

Explanation

Permafrost is permanently frozen ground covering about 25% of the Northern Hemisphere land. It stores an estimated 1,500 billion tonnes of carbon (twice the amount in the atmosphere). As global temperatures rise, permafrost thaws releasing CO2 and methane from decomposing organic matter. Methane is about 80 times more potent than CO2 over 20 years, creating a powerful positive feedback loop. The Arctic is warming 2-4x faster than the global average, making permafrost thaw one of the most feared climate tipping points.

Q4. The Global Stocktake was a landmark outcome of which COP meeting, and what was its primary purpose?

A COP21 Paris (2015) — to set the 1.5 degree C target for the first time
B COP26 Glasgow (2021) — to phase out coal globally
C COP28 Dubai (2023) — to assess collective progress toward Paris Agreement goals Correct
D COP27 Sharm el-Sheikh (2022) — to establish the Loss and Damage fund

Explanation

The first Global Stocktake (GST) was concluded at COP28 in Dubai (December 2023). Mandated by Article 14 of the Paris Agreement, it is a comprehensive review conducted every 5 years to assess collective progress toward Paris Agreement goals. The COP28 outcome called for transitioning away from fossil fuels — a historic first mention of fossil fuels in a COP text — and tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Q5. The WHO recommended safe limit for noise levels in outdoor residential areas during daytime is approximately:

A 35 decibels (dB)
B 55 decibels (dB) Correct
C 75 decibels (dB)
D 90 decibels (dB)

Explanation

WHO guidelines for community noise recommend a daytime outdoor residential limit of 55 dB. For night-time sleep protection, WHO recommends less than 40 dB outdoor. India Noise Pollution Rules 2000 set limits: residential - 55 dB (day), 45 dB (night); commercial - 65/55 dB; industrial - 75/70 dB; silence zones - 50/40 dB.

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Q6. Which of the following is the PRIMARY cause of coral bleaching?

A Increase in ultraviolet radiation due to ozone depletion
B Ocean acidification from dissolved CO2
C Rise in sea surface temperature causing expulsion of symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae)
D Plastic pollution blocking sunlight from reaching corals
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Q7. The 'Great Green Wall' initiative is primarily associated with which environmental challenge?

A Ocean plastic pollution
B Ozone layer depletion
C Desertification in the Sahel region
D Acid rain in Scandinavian lakes
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Q8. Match List-I (Environmental Issue) with List-II (Associated Gas/Substance): List-I: A. Global Warming B. Ozone Depletion C. Acid Rain D. Ocean Acidification List-II: 1. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) 2. Carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbed by seawater 3. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) 4. Carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Choose the correct answer:

A A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2
B A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3
C A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
D A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
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Q9. Consider the following statements about the Ramsar Convention: 1. It was adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. 2. India's Ramsar sites number more than 75 as of 2024. 3. The Montreux Record lists Ramsar sites where ecological character has been changed or is likely to change. 4. Only coastal wetlands qualify as Ramsar sites. Which of the statements given above are correct?

A 1 and 3 only
B 1, 2 and 3 only
C 1, 3 and 4 only
D All four statements
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Q10. Consider the following statements about invasive species: 1. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), native to South America, is a major invasive species in Asian and African water bodies. 2. The cane toad was introduced to Australia to control agricultural pests but became invasive itself. 3. Kudzu, an invasive vine in the USA, is native to North America. Which of the above statements are correct?

A Only 1
B 1 and 2 only
C 2 and 3 only
D 1, 2 and 3
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Q11. Which of the following statements about PM2.5 is INCORRECT?

A PM2.5 refers to particulate matter with diameter less than or equal to 2.5 micrometres
B PM2.5 particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream
C WHO guidelines (2021) set the annual PM2.5 safe limit at 25 µg/m³
D PM2.5 is finer and more dangerous than PM10
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Q12. Arrange the following events related to soil and land degradation in chronological order: 1. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) 2. Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) adopted at COP12 of UNCCD 3. 1992 Rio Earth Summit where desertification was first recognized at global level 4. Bonn Challenge (voluntary target for forest landscape restoration)

A 3 then 1 then 4 then 2
B 1 then 3 then 2 then 4
C 3 then 1 then 2 then 4
D 1 then 3 then 4 then 2
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Q13. The concept of Biodiversity Hotspots was proposed by Norman Myers. Which of the following criteria are used to designate a region as a biodiversity hotspot? 1. Must contain at least 1,500 endemic plant species 2. Must have lost at least 70% of its primary vegetation 3. Must be located in a tropical region 4. Must have at least 500 endemic vertebrate species

A 1 and 2 only
B 1, 2 and 3 only
C 1, 2, 3 and 4
D 2 and 4 only
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Q14. Match List-I (Environmental Conference/Protocol) with List-II (Key Outcome/Feature): List-I: P. Stockholm Conference (1972) Q. Rio Earth Summit (1992) R. Kyoto Protocol (1997) S. COP26 Glasgow (2021) List-II: 1. First legally binding emission reduction targets for developed nations 2. Established UNEP; first global environmental summit 3. Phase-down of coal and inefficient fossil fuel subsidies 4. Adopted Agenda 21, CBD, and UNFCCC

A P-2, Q-4, R-1, S-3
B P-1, Q-2, R-3, S-4
C P-4, Q-2, R-3, S-1
D P-2, Q-1, R-4, S-3
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Q15. Which of the following statements about deforestation and biodiversity loss are CORRECT? 1. Tropical rainforests, which cover about 6% of Earth surface, are home to more than 50% of the world species. 2. The Amazon rainforest is called the Lungs of the Earth due to its significant oxygen production. 3. Habitat destruction is the leading cause of biodiversity loss globally. 4. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was established at the 2015 Paris Climate Summit.

A 1, 2 and 3 only
B 1 and 3 only
C 2, 3 and 4 only
D 1, 2, 3 and 4

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many Environmental Issues MCQ questions are available?
There are 50 Environmental Issues practice MCQs available on Aspirant Academy, with detailed answers and explanations for each question.
Are answers and explanations provided for Environmental Issues MCQs?
Yes, every Environmental Issues question comes with the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept.
How is Environmental Issues relevant to the RAS/RPSC exam?
Environmental Issues falls under the World Geography section of the RAS/RPSC syllabus. It is a frequently tested area and regular practice with these MCQs will strengthen your preparation.
Can I practice Environmental Issues questions in Hindi?
Yes, Aspirant Academy offers bilingual support. You can practice Environmental Issues MCQs in both English and Hindi, including questions, options, and explanations.

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