Environmental Science and Sustainability MCQs (Part-9)
What does “sustainable development” aim to achieve?
A Short-term growth
B Immediate profit
C Industrial growth only
D Long-term environmental health
Sustainable development focuses on meeting present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs. It aims to balance economic growth, social development, and environmental protection for long-term benefits.
Which law helps regulate air pollution in the United States?
A Endangered Species Act
B Wind energy
C Clean Water Act
D Clean Air Act
The Clean Air Act is a key environmental law in the U.S. designed to control air pollution from stationary and mobile sources. It sets limits on pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides to protect public health.
What is the purpose of environmental impact assessments (EIA)?
A To assess environmental risks of projects
B To calculate profit
C To increase construction speed
D To ignore pollution
EIAs are conducted to assess and mitigate the potential negative impacts of development projects on the environment. They ensure that environmental concerns are addressed before construction begins.
Which of the following is a renewable resource?
A Natural gas
B Oil
C Sunlight
D Coal
Sunlight is a renewable resource because it is naturally replenished. Unlike fossil fuels, it will not deplete over time, making it an essential source for solar energy generation without environmental harm.
Which of these practices helps reduce water wastage?
A Using drip irrigation
B Deforestation
C Over-farming
D Increasing chemical use
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, minimizing water loss and evaporation. This water-efficient method conserves water resources, especially in regions with limited access to fresh water.
What is the main goal of recycling programs?
A Promote waste production
B Increase landfill space
C Reduce environmental impact
D Discard waste quickly
Recycling programs aim to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and minimize environmental harm. By reusing materials, recycling helps decrease the need for new raw materials and reduces pollution from manufacturing.
Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?
A Carbon dioxide
B Oxygen
C Nitrous oxide
D Methane
Oxygen is not a greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.
What is deforestation primarily caused by?
A Urbanization
B Industrialization
C Climate change
D Crop rotation
Urbanization leads to deforestation as forests are cleared for building cities and infrastructure. This disrupts ecosystems, reduces biodiversity, and contributes to climate change due to the loss of carbon‐absorbing trees.
What does the term “carbon footprint” refer to?
A The weight of carbon dioxide in the air
B The size of carbon deposits
C The amount of carbon in the soil
D The total greenhouse gas emissions from human activities
A carbon footprint measures the total amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activities such as transportation, electricity use, and food consumption. Reducing it is vital for combating climate change.
Which of these is an example of a non-renewable resource?
A Solar power
B Coal
C Wind
D Water
Coal is a non-renewable resource, meaning it cannot be replenished on a human timescale. It takes millions of years to form and is being rapidly depleted as it is used for energy production.
Which renewable energy source uses moving water to generate electricity?
A Biomass
B Wind
C Hydro
D Solar
Hydro energy, or hydropower, uses moving water (such as rivers or dams) to generate electricity. It is a renewable energy source because water cycles naturally and can be harnessed without depleting resources.
What is the primary purpose of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?
A To enforce environmental laws
B To promote industrial development
C To control wildlife
D To manage natural resources
The EPA is a U.S. government agency tasked with protecting human health and the environment by enforcing laws and regulations that control pollution, protect natural resources, and ensure public safety.
What is the effect of excessive use of chemical fertilizers?
A Climate cooling
B Water pollution
C Soil health improvement
D Air quality improvement
The excessive use of chemical fertilizers can lead to water pollution when runoff carries these chemicals into rivers, lakes, and groundwater. This can harm aquatic ecosystems and make water unsafe for consumption.
What is the most common effect of global warming?
A Less rainfall
B Increased snowfall
C Rising sea levels
D Stable temperatures
Global warming causes polar ice caps to melt and seawater to expand, leading to rising sea levels. This can result in flooding, coastal erosion, and displacement of communities living near the coast.
Which of the following is an example of eco-friendly construction?
A Increasing energy consumption
B Ignoring water efficiency
C Using non-renewable materials
D Using recycled materials
Eco-friendly construction involves using sustainable practices such as recycled materials, energy-efficient systems, and water‐saving technologies. This reduces environmental impact and helps create buildings that are energy‐efficient and resource‐conserving.