International Green Warrior Olympiad Class 9 Sample Paper

Q.1

A family is considering purchasing a new microwave to replace their old one, aiming to reduce their energy consumption and contribute to sustainability. They are researching various models to ensure they choose an energy-efficient appliance.
In their evaluation of different microwave models for energy efficiency and sustainability, which factor would NOT typically be considered?

Q.2

A major Himalayan glacier, a vital source of freshwater for millions downstream, is retreating at an alarming rate. Satellite imagery reveals a significant decrease in the glacier's mass over the past few years. Data also shows a connection between rising global temperatures and the accelerated melting of glaciers worldwide.
Considering the scenario, which of the following is the most likely consequence of the glacier's retreat for the communities downstream?

Q.3

Satellites have documented the rapid retreat of glaciers in Antarctica and Greenland, contributing significantly to global sea level rise. In addition to coastal flooding, this melting ice could also:

Q.4

Your city is considering expanding its aquaculture industry to meet the growing demand for seafood. However, traditional aquaculture practices can contribute to water pollution and habitat degradation.
Which of the following approaches would be most sustainable for developing a responsible aquaculture industry?

Q.5

Imagine you're a development consultant working with a government agency in a developing country concerned about the high levels of post-harvest food losses. You're tasked with recommending the most impactful intervention based on the data provided in the graph below.
Which intervention would likely yield the greatest reductions in overall food losses while maximising impact across multiple commodities?

Q.6

A group of scientists studying the melting glaciers in Antarctica discovered ancient air bubbles trapped within the ice. Analysing these bubbles, they find significantly lower concentrations of carbon dioxide compared to the present atmosphere. This information suggests that:

Q.7

You and your friends enjoy a delicious pizza lunch, packed with toppings like pepperoni, cheese, and pineapple. Later, while scrolling through social media, you come across a post highlighting the environmental impact of meat production. This sparks a conversation about your food choices and how they might affect the planet.
Considering the environmental footprints of your pizza toppings, which topping likely had the highest emissions associated with its production?
1. Pepperoni
2. Cheese
3. Pineapple

Q.8

You're a wildlife conservationist working in the Himalayas, where a dwindling snow leopard population faces new challenges. Human encroachment has forced wolves into higher altitudes, overlapping with the leopards' territory, while climate change is shrinking their habitat due to melting glaciers.
You propose a conservation plan to address these challenges. Which of the following options is/are the effective and sustainable long-term solution(s), considering ecological balance and ethical implications?
1. Prioritise eliminating the wolf threat to restore the leopards' competitive advantage.
2. Lobby for stricter regulations on human activities near snow leopard habitat.
3. Invest in renewable energy sources to combat climate change.
4. Develop captive breeding programs to supplement dwindling wild populations.

Q.9

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.10

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?