International Green Warrior Olympiad Class 9 Sample Paper

Q.1

The adverse environmental effects of burning fossil fuels extend beyond local air pollution.
Which of the following phenomena illustrates a global consequence of increased carbon emissions?

Q.2

You're at the supermarket deciding between locally-grown organic vegetables and conventionally-grown vegetables shipped from a distant country. Both cost the same. Considering climate change:

Q.3

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.4

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.5

Consider the following statements and choose the correct option:
Statement 1: Groundwater is primarily recharged through precipitation that infiltrates into the soil.
Statement 2: Groundwater, once depleted, can be quickly replenished through human interventions like pumping water from surface reservoirs.

Q.6

In a city prone to heatwaves, a group of students proposed a rooftop garden initiative to combat the urban heat island effect. How does the presence of rooftop gardens contribute to reducing the urban heat island effect?

Q.7

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.8

The graph below demonstrates a 50% reduction in post-harvest food losses achieved by a cooperative of farmers through enhanced packaging and transportation practices. What specific strategies in packaging and transportation could account for this significant success?

Q.9

A tropical country experiences frequent severe weather events, including but not limited to drought, hurricanes and cyclones, due to climate change. Its current reliance on large-scale hydropower plants makes it vulnerable to these extreme weather events.
Which of the following clean energy sources is most likely to be resilient to these climate impacts?

Q.10

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?