International Green Warrior Olympiad Class 9 Sample Paper

Q.1

A city primarily using natural gas for domestic purposes experiences a sudden rise in respiratory ailments among its residents.
Which gas, released during incomplete combustion of natural gas, is a major concern for human health?

Q.2

Maya, a young activist, is organising a campaign to reduce single-use plastics in her school. She argues that plastic production not only generates plastic waste but also contributes to climate change through:
A. Increasing deforestation for raw material extraction.
B. Methane emissions from decomposing plastic in landfills.
C. Increased reliance on fossil fuels for plastic manufacturing.

Q.3

In your environmental science class, you're learning about the impact of different greenhouse gases on global warming. Your teacher has provided data showing an increase in two greenhouse gas concentrations since pre-industrial times: methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O).
If both gases have seen a 20% rise in concentration since pre-industrial times, which of the following statements is accurate based on their effect on raising global temperatures?

Q.4

As an environmental scientist conducting water quality assessments for a local lake used for swimming and boating, you're tasked with monitoring various parameters to ensure the safety and health of individuals engaging in recreational activities.
In this scenario, which of the following parameters would be of concern?
1. Turbidity
2. pH
3. Faecal coliform bacteria

Q.5

Consider the case study given below and answer the following question:
Case Study: Protecting the Coral Reefs of Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Location: Raja Ampat, a stunning archipelago in Indonesia famed for its thriving coral reefs, biodiversity, and diving tourism.
Challenges:
-Overfishing: Unsustainable fishing practices, including blast fishing and cyanide fishing, have depleted fish stocks and damaged coral reefs.
-Pollution: Plastic pollution, agricultural runoff, and sedimentation from coastal development all threaten the delicate marine ecosystem.
-Climate Change: Rising ocean temperatures and acidification are bleaching and killing coral, the foundation of the reef ecosystem.
Initiatives:
-Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Establishing and enforcing MPAs restricts harmful fishing practices and allows reefs to recover. Raja Ampat boasts one of the largest MPAs in Southeast Asia, covering over 1.5 million hectares.
-Community-Based Management: Local communities play a crucial role in protecting their reefs. The Coral Triangle Initiative focuses on empowering them through sustainable fishing practices and alternative livelihoods like ecotourism.
-Sustainable Aquaculture: Farming fish responsibly reduces pressure on wild stocks and provides alternative income for fishermen. Locally managed fish farms in Raja Ampat demonstrate successful alternatives to overfishing.
-Coral Restoration: Innovative techniques like coral nurseries and transplantation help regenerate damaged reefs and restore marine biodiversity.
Outcomes:
-Fish stocks are rebounding: The Raja Ampat MPA has shown a significant increase in fish biomass within its boundaries, demonstrating the effectiveness of protected areas.
-Improved water quality: Reduced pollution and sedimentation contribute to healthier corals and a more vibrant marine environment.
-Empowered communities: Local involvement in conservation fosters environmental stewardship and provides sustainable economic opportunities.
Raja Ampat serves as a beacon of hope in marine conservation, demonstrating the effectiveness of community-driven, multi-pronged approaches to protecting life below water. By tackling overfishing, pollution, and climate change, we can safeguard the future of these vital ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
In the case study, it is mentioned that coral reefs confront challenges from pollution and climate change. How do these challenges interact to negatively affect Raja Ampat's coral reefs?
1. Pollution weakens coral reefs, making them more susceptible to bleaching and mortality as ocean temperatures rise.
2. Climate change alters ocean currents, causing an increased accumulation of pollutants near reefs, adding to their stress.
3. Pollution can harm reefs, but it doesn't significantly affect their vulnerability to climate change impacts.

Q.6

A local environmental agency is tasked with evaluating the water quality of a river that runs through a town. The river serves as a primary source of drinking water, recreational activities, and supports aquatic life. Concerns have been raised about the river's health due to changes in its appearance and reports of fish mortality.
Please select the most appropriate answer that reflects the main categories relevant to evaluating the river's water quality.

Q.7

An evaluation was conducted on the environmental impact of four different gaming consoles used extensively by a group of gamers. The details about consoles are provided in the table below.
Based on the information, which gaming console is likely to have caused the least environmental impact during the assessment period?

Q.8

Blair, an environmentally conscious consumer, is shopping for groceries at a local store. She notices a food product with an eco-label that states "Organic" on the packaging. Curious about its meaning, she checks the information available to understand the significance of the label.
In the context of eco-labelling, what does the presence of an "Organic" label on a food product signify based on Emily's observation?

Q.9

A group of students studying ecology in a temperate forest notices a sharp decline in the local frog population. They discover that a new housing development has encroached upon a wetland area that was once home to a diverse array of amphibians.
What is the likely consequence of the wetland habitat loss on the surrounding forest ecosystem?

Q.10

During a science fair, a student presented a project on the impact of wildfires on climate change. They highlighted that wildfires release vast amounts of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere as shown in the table given below.
What inference can be made from this presentation?
1. Wildfires can act as a positive feedback loop, contributing to further warming and potentially more frequent fires.
2. Wildfires are primarily responsible for the rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
3. All wildfires should be suppressed to prevent any carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide emissions.
4. The release of greenhouse gases from wildfires is balanced by the absorption of carbon dioxide by new plant growth.