International Green Warrior Olympiad Class 9 Sample Paper

Q.1

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.2

A community experiences an outbreak of a waterborne disease called Amoebiasis, characterised by severe abdominal cramps, diarrhoea with blood, and high fever. Individuals affected report exposure to contaminated water sources. Identify the causative agent responsible for these symptoms.

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.

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.4

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.5

Consider the following statements and choose the correct option:

1. Debris accumulation in oceans primarily consists of organic waste, which enhances marine biodiversity by providing habitats for various species.
2. Sustainable aquaculture involves utilising antibiotics to control diseases and enhance fish growth in farms.
3. Coastal development and shoreline alterations significantly impact marine habitats or disrupt the natural flow of sediments in coastal areas.
4. Overfishing contributes to the creation of dead zones due to the imbalance in marine ecosystems caused by the removal of certain fish species.

Q.6

A family living in a region with abundant clean hydropower is considering replacing their ageing gas oven with a new electric model. However, they are concerned about the overall environmental impact of each option.

Analyse the following data table and choose the most likely outcome of switching to electric based on environmental considerations.

Q.7

An individual is trying to reduce their carbon footprint through their diet. Which action would have the most significant impact on reducing carbon emissions?

Q.8

You live in a small town nestled near a bustling city. Your town council is considering a proposal to expand the city limits, potentially encroaching on your rural area. You're concerned about the potential impact on air quality and sustainability. The data regarding the levels of particulate matter over last few years was graphed.
Based on the information provided in the graph below and your concerns about sustainability, which statement best reflects the potential consequences of urban expansion on your town and its surrounding environment?

Q.9

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.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: