International Green Warrior Olympiad Class 9 Sample Paper

Q.1

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.2

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.3

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
What is a long-term challenge that the case study implies requires continuous global support to ensure the success of marine conservation in Raja Ampat?

Q.4

In a geologically active region, a community has installed a closed-loop geothermal energy system to harness the Earth's heat for heating purposes. The system has been operating efficiently, but during a particularly cold winter, the underground temperature experiences a significant decrease. What is the likely impact on the efficiency of the geothermal system?

Q.5

Consider two restaurants: one follows a "zero food waste" policy, while the other does not. Which environmental impact is most likely to be affected by the "zero food waste" policy?

Q.6

Which innovative water purification method uses a combination of biological processes involving microorganisms to break down organic matter and remove contaminants from wastewater?

Q.7

Consider the case study given below and answer the following question:
Title: Forests as Crucial Carbon Capture Systems
Forests play a critical role in mitigating climate change by capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Trees absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and use it to grow. The carbon is then stored in the tree's biomass (wood, leaves, branches, and roots) and soil. Forests also help to regulate the climate by releasing water vapour into the atmosphere, which can form clouds and reflect sunlight back into space.
Trees are the most significant carbon sink in forests, storing carbon in their biomass. The amount of carbon stored in a tree depends on its species, size, and age. Young forests capture carbon rapidly due to the quick growth of trees. Middle-aged forests store relatively greater amounts of carbon as trees grow slower but sequester more carbon. Old-growth forests contain large trees that retain carbon for extended periods, albeit at a slower rate due to fewer trees overall.
Forest soils contain diverse forms of carbon influenced by soil type, vegetation, and geography. Soil properties, such as high organic content or frozen conditions, significantly impact carbon storage potential.
The carbon captured by forests is eventually returned to the atmosphere through processes like decomposition and respiration. Different forest types exhibit varying rates of carbon capture and release. Tropical forests capture carbon rapidly but can release it quickly too. In contrast, temperate forests offer a balanced solution.
Effective management strategies, such as forest preservation, sustainable forestry practices, forest expansion, and invasive species control, are crucial in optimising carbon sequestration potential while maintaining ecosystem balance.
Imagine conducting an experiment measuring carbon sequestration rates in four different forest types over the span of a year. Based on your understanding of the case study, which forest type would you expect to demonstrate the highest rate of carbon capture per unit area within a year?

Q.8

Jayden examined the consequences of illegal dumping of hazardous waste into oceans. Which chemical pollutant, commonly found in such waste, poses severe threats to marine life due to its bioaccumulation in the food chain?

Q.9

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.10

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: