Environment and Society MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Environment and Society - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is - Culture

Key Points

• Culture
  • Culture plays a vital role in shaping societal values, behaviors, and attitudes towards climate change.
  • It influences how communities perceive and respond to environmental challenges, including their willingness to adapt and mitigate its effects.
  • By fostering practices rooted in sustainability and collective responsibility, culture provides a foundation for environmental stewardship.
  • Examples of cultural practices, such as traditional agricultural methods, conservation ethics, and community-based resource management, help mitigate the impact of climate change.

Additional Information

• Other Factors and Their Roles
  • Infrastructural Development
    • Focuses on building resilient physical structures and systems to withstand the effects of climate change.
    • Examples include green buildings, renewable energy grids, and flood barriers.
  • Welfare
    • Addresses the socio-economic vulnerabilities of communities impacted by climate change.
    • Includes measures like social safety nets, healthcare, and disaster relief programs.
  • Technology
    • Provides innovative tools and solutions for mitigating and adapting to climate change.
    • Examples include renewable energy technologies, carbon capture systems, and climate modeling software.
• Why Culture is Unique
  • Culture is distinct because it integrates human values, traditions, and collective action into environmental strategies.
  • Unlike purely technical or economic approaches, it addresses the emotional and ethical dimensions of environmental stewardship.

The correct answer is - (A) - (iii), (B) - (iv), (C) - (ii), (D) - (i)

Key Points

• Chipko Movement (1973)
  • The Chipko Movement originated in Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh) in 1973.
  • It was a non-violent movement where villagers, especially women, hugged trees to prevent their felling.
  • This movement became a symbol of environmental conservation and sustainable development.
• Silent Valley Movement (1978)
  • The Silent Valley Movement began in Kerala in 1978 to protect the Silent Valley rainforest from a proposed hydroelectric dam project.
  • The movement emphasized the importance of biodiversity and led to the creation of Silent Valley National Park.
• Narmada Bachao Andolan (1985)
  • This movement started in 1985 to protest against the construction of large dams on the Narmada River.
  • It focused on issues such as displacement of tribal communities, environmental destruction, and social justice.
  • Prominent leaders of the movement include Medha Patkar and Baba Amte.
• Appiko Movement (1983)
  • The Appiko Movement began in Karnataka in 1983 as a forest conservation movement.
  • It was inspired by the Chipko Movement and aimed to prevent the cutting of trees in the Western Ghats.
  • The term “Appiko” means “to embrace” in Kannada, symbolizing the act of hugging trees to protect them.

Additional Information

• Environmental Movements in India
  • India has witnessed several environmental movements aimed at conserving natural resources and promoting sustainable development.
  • These movements are often led by local communities, emphasizing grassroots participation.
• Significance of Grassroots Movements
  • Grassroots environmental movements highlight the intersection of environmental, social, and economic issues.
  • They play a crucial role in influencing policy changes and raising awareness about environmental concerns.
• Non-violent Resistance
  • Movements like Chipko and Appiko demonstrate the power of non-violent resistance in achieving environmental goals.
  • These movements often draw inspiration from Gandhian principles of peaceful protest.

The correct answer is - Francoise d’Eaubonne

Key Points

• Francoise d’Eaubonne
  • She was a French feminist and writer who coined the term Eco-feminism in 1974.
  • The concept links women’s oppression and the degradation of the environment, proposing that both are interconnected.
  • Francoise argued that the patriarchal system contributes to ecological destruction and gender inequality.
  • Her work emphasized the need for a revolutionary approach to address both ecological and feminist issues.

Additional Information

• Eco-feminism
  • It is a branch of feminism that examines the connection between women and nature.
  • The movement highlights how the exploitation of natural resources and the oppression of women are driven by similar systems of power.
  • Key thinkers in Eco-feminism include Vandana Shiva, Maria Mies, and Carolyn Merchant, who have contributed to the development of the field.
  • Eco-feminists advocate for sustainable development, gender equality, and ecological conservation.
• Francoise d’Eaubonne’s Contributions
  • She authored several works, including Le Féminisme ou la Mort, where she explored the concept of Eco-feminism.
  • Her writings inspired activism that integrates environmental and feminist goals.
  • She emphasized a shift towards eco-centric values as a solution to patriarchal exploitation.
• Global Impact
  • Eco-feminism has influenced environmental movements worldwide, particularly in regions facing gender-based ecological challenges.
  • It has shaped policies and research on the intersection of gender and environmental sustainability.

The correct answer is - 1970s

Key Points

• Chipko Movement
  • The Chipko Movement was an environmental conservation initiative in India aimed at protecting forests from deforestation.
  • It originated in the 1970s in the Uttarakhand region (then part of Uttar Pradesh) of the Central Himalayas.
  • Villagers, especially women, practiced a non-violent protest by hugging trees to prevent them from being cut down by contractors.
  • The movement gained widespread attention and became a symbol of grassroots environmental activism.
  • The term "Chipko" translates to "hug" in Hindi, reflecting the strategy of embracing trees to protect them.

Additional Information

• Key Figures
  • Sunderlal Bahuguna was a prominent leader of the movement. He played a significant role in advocating for environmental conservation and raising awareness about deforestation.
  • Gaura Devi, a local woman leader, led the first protest in 1974 at Reni village, which became a turning point in the movement.
• Impact of the Movement
  • The Chipko Movement contributed to a 15-year ban on commercial logging in the Himalayan region imposed by the Indian government in 1980.
  • It inspired similar environmental movements globally, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development.
• Significance
  • It is regarded as one of the earliest and most successful grassroots environmental movements in India.
  • The movement emphasized the role of women in environmental conservation, highlighting their active involvement in protecting natural resources.

The correct answer is - Social equality dimension

Key Points

• Environmental justice
  • It refers to the fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens across all social groups, emphasizing the need for social equality.
  • The concept ensures that no group, especially marginalized or economically disadvantaged communities, faces a disproportionate share of environmental hazards such as pollution, toxic waste, or resource depletion.
  • It is rooted in the belief that access to a clean and safe environment is a fundamental human right.
  • Focuses on addressing systemic inequalities that lead to environmental degradation in certain communities while benefiting others.

Additional Information

• Dimensions of Environmental Justice
  • Social Equality Dimension
    • Highlights the need for equal access to environmental resources such as clean air, water, and land.
    • Aims to prevent social groups from being disproportionately affected by environmental degradation.
  • Environmental Racism
    • A related concept where racial minority communities often face greater environmental hazards compared to others.
    • Focuses on the intersection of race and environmental justice.
  • North-South Divide
    • Refers to the economic and environmental disparities between developed (Global North) and developing (Global South) nations.
    • While important, this is not directly related to the core idea of environmental justice.
• Global Examples of Environmental Justice
  • The fight against toxic waste dumping in Warren County, North Carolina, is often cited as the origin of the environmental justice movement in the United States.
  • Efforts to improve air quality in low-income neighborhoods affected by industrial pollution are another example.

The Correct Answer is the Mercalli scale.

• Mercalli Scale is the scale used for measuring the intensity of the earthquake.

Mistake PointsMercalli scale is used to measure the intensity of an earthquake while Richter Scale is used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake .

Important Points

• Mercalli scale is a seismic intensity scale used for measuring the intensity of shaking produced by an earthquake.
• The Richter scale describes the earthquake's magnitude by measuring the seismic waves that cause the earthquake.
• The Mercalli scale is linear and the Richter scale is logarithmic.
• Richter Scale is used to measure the scale of absolute 'Magnitude' of an earthquake based on the amount of seismic energy released.
• Mercalli scale measures the 'Intensity' of an earthquake based on the amount of destruction caused.

The Correct Answer is option 2 i.e. D( World Sparrow Day)

The correct answer is Water conservation.

Key Points

• Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS) is situated in the semi-arid region of Rajasthan.
• TBS starts its work by mobilizing communities around the issue of water and supporting them in reviving and revitalizing the traditional systems of water management through the construction of ‘Johads’ for rainwater harvesting.
• The community contributes to their labour.
•  TBS arrange some funding and provide support to the villagers in studying the topography and soil type, assessing the water needs of the village, preparing a labour-sharing plan based on the benefits accruing to individual households.

Additional Information

• Over 10,000 Rain-Water Harvesting (RWH) structures have been restored.
• Due to high fodder availability, villagers have also benefited from selling milk products through an informal cooperative arrangement.
• The organisation plays a facilitating role in helping communities to articulate their priorities for natural resource development, and to find solutions

The Correct Answer is The UNFCCC Secretariat.

• The UNFCCC secretariat launched its Climate Neutral Now initiative in 2015.
• It is an initiative launched to urge individuals, companies, and governments to measure their climate footprint, reduce their greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible.
• The secretariat in 2016 launched a new pillar under its Momentum for Change initiative focused on Climate Neutral Now, as part of larger efforts to showcase successful climate action around the world.
• Climate neutrality is a three-step process, which requires individuals, companies, and governments to:
  • Measure their climate footprint;
  • Reduce their emissions as much as possible;
  • Offset what they cannot reduce with UN certified emission reductions.

The correct answer is (A) - (iii), (B) - (i), (C) - (ii), (D) - (iv).

 Key Points

• Wildlife Protection Act 1972
  • Wildlife Protection Act 1972 was passed on August 21, 1972, but was later implemented on September 9, 1972.
  • This act prohibits the capturing, killing, poisoning, or trapping of wild animals.
  • It extends to the whole of India 
• Environment (Protection) Act
  • The Environment (Protection) Act was enacted in 1986 with the objective of providing for the protection and improvement of the environment.
  • It empowers the Central Government to establish authorities charged with the mandate of preventing environmental pollution in all its forms and to tackle specific environmental problems that are peculiar to different parts of the country.
  • The Act was last amended in 1991.
• The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act
  • The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, passed on 18 December 2006.
  • The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 recognizes the rights of the forest-dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers to forest resources, on which these communities were dependent for a variety of needs, including livelihood, habitation, and other socio-cultural needs.
• The Forest Conservation Policy
  • India’s forests are currently governed by the National Forest Policy of 1988.
  • Maintenance of environmental stability through preservation and restoration of ecological balance.
  • Conservation of Natural Heritage (existing).
  • Checking Soil Erosion and Denudation in catchment areas of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

​A subset of feminism and political ecology is called ecofeminism. 

Key Points

• The analysis of the connections between people and the natural environment is done by ecofeminist philosophers using the gender notion.
•  According to ecofeminist theory, green politics are viewed from a feminist perspective and demand for an inclusive society with no dominating group.
• Liberal ecofeminism, spiritual/cultural ecofeminism, social/socialist ecofeminism, and other varieties of ecofeminism exist today with different approaches and analyses.
• Vandana Shiva is an Indian scholar, environmental activist, proponent of food sovereignty, ecofeminist, and author who opposes globalization.
• Her work is related to the anti-GMO movement, she is frequently referred to as the "Gandhi of grains."

Therefore, Vandana Shiva is known as Eco-feminist.

• The major atmospheric gases responsible for causing global warming are carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O).
• Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons  (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) are some of the less prevalent but very powerful greenhouse gases.
• An average increase in the temperature of the atmosphere near the Earth’s surface and in the troposphere is known as Global warming.
• It can contribute to changes in global climate patterns. Both natural and human-induced reasons lead to global warming. 
• Global warming usually relates to warming that can occur as an effect of increased emissions of greenhouse gases from human actions.
• Global Warming - Impacts

1. Rise in Sea level
2. Changes in rainfall patterns.
3. Increased likelihood of extreme events such as heatwave, flooding, hurricanes, etc.
4. Melting of the ice caps.

The correct answer is - Culture

Key Points

• Culture
  • Culture plays a vital role in shaping societal values, behaviors, and attitudes towards climate change.
  • It influences how communities perceive and respond to environmental challenges, including their willingness to adapt and mitigate its effects.
  • By fostering practices rooted in sustainability and collective responsibility, culture provides a foundation for environmental stewardship.
  • Examples of cultural practices, such as traditional agricultural methods, conservation ethics, and community-based resource management, help mitigate the impact of climate change.

Additional Information

• Other Factors and Their Roles
  • Infrastructural Development
    • Focuses on building resilient physical structures and systems to withstand the effects of climate change.
    • Examples include green buildings, renewable energy grids, and flood barriers.
  • Welfare
    • Addresses the socio-economic vulnerabilities of communities impacted by climate change.
    • Includes measures like social safety nets, healthcare, and disaster relief programs.
  • Technology
    • Provides innovative tools and solutions for mitigating and adapting to climate change.
    • Examples include renewable energy technologies, carbon capture systems, and climate modeling software.
• Why Culture is Unique
  • Culture is distinct because it integrates human values, traditions, and collective action into environmental strategies.
  • Unlike purely technical or economic approaches, it addresses the emotional and ethical dimensions of environmental stewardship.

The correct answer is - (A) - (iii), (B) - (iv), (C) - (ii), (D) - (i)

Key Points

• Chipko Movement (1973)
  • The Chipko Movement originated in Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh) in 1973.
  • It was a non-violent movement where villagers, especially women, hugged trees to prevent their felling.
  • This movement became a symbol of environmental conservation and sustainable development.
• Silent Valley Movement (1978)
  • The Silent Valley Movement began in Kerala in 1978 to protect the Silent Valley rainforest from a proposed hydroelectric dam project.
  • The movement emphasized the importance of biodiversity and led to the creation of Silent Valley National Park.
• Narmada Bachao Andolan (1985)
  • This movement started in 1985 to protest against the construction of large dams on the Narmada River.
  • It focused on issues such as displacement of tribal communities, environmental destruction, and social justice.
  • Prominent leaders of the movement include Medha Patkar and Baba Amte.
• Appiko Movement (1983)
  • The Appiko Movement began in Karnataka in 1983 as a forest conservation movement.
  • It was inspired by the Chipko Movement and aimed to prevent the cutting of trees in the Western Ghats.
  • The term “Appiko” means “to embrace” in Kannada, symbolizing the act of hugging trees to protect them.

Additional Information

• Environmental Movements in India
  • India has witnessed several environmental movements aimed at conserving natural resources and promoting sustainable development.
  • These movements are often led by local communities, emphasizing grassroots participation.
• Significance of Grassroots Movements
  • Grassroots environmental movements highlight the intersection of environmental, social, and economic issues.
  • They play a crucial role in influencing policy changes and raising awareness about environmental concerns.
• Non-violent Resistance
  • Movements like Chipko and Appiko demonstrate the power of non-violent resistance in achieving environmental goals.
  • These movements often draw inspiration from Gandhian principles of peaceful protest.

The correct answer is - Francoise d’Eaubonne

Key Points

• Francoise d’Eaubonne
  • She was a French feminist and writer who coined the term Eco-feminism in 1974.
  • The concept links women’s oppression and the degradation of the environment, proposing that both are interconnected.
  • Francoise argued that the patriarchal system contributes to ecological destruction and gender inequality.
  • Her work emphasized the need for a revolutionary approach to address both ecological and feminist issues.

Additional Information

• Eco-feminism
  • It is a branch of feminism that examines the connection between women and nature.
  • The movement highlights how the exploitation of natural resources and the oppression of women are driven by similar systems of power.
  • Key thinkers in Eco-feminism include Vandana Shiva, Maria Mies, and Carolyn Merchant, who have contributed to the development of the field.
  • Eco-feminists advocate for sustainable development, gender equality, and ecological conservation.
• Francoise d’Eaubonne’s Contributions
  • She authored several works, including Le Féminisme ou la Mort, where she explored the concept of Eco-feminism.
  • Her writings inspired activism that integrates environmental and feminist goals.
  • She emphasized a shift towards eco-centric values as a solution to patriarchal exploitation.
• Global Impact
  • Eco-feminism has influenced environmental movements worldwide, particularly in regions facing gender-based ecological challenges.
  • It has shaped policies and research on the intersection of gender and environmental sustainability.