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Science, Technology, and Environment

subtopicmedium~90 min study9 MCQ

Breakthroughs in science and technology, space exploration, climate change initiatives, and environmental policies globally and in India.

What is Science, Technology, and Environment?

A long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define Earth's local, regional and global climates.

Key points

  • Understand the causes and impacts of climate change.
  • Identify key environmental policies and their objectives.
  • Recognize India's role and commitments in addressing climate change.
  • Analyze the relationship between human activities and environmental degradation.

Common exam trap

Confusing climate change with weather.

Definitions

Term

Climate Change

Meaning

A long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define Earth's local, regional and global climates.

Term

Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

Meaning

Gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Term

Mitigation (Climate Change)

Meaning

Actions taken to reduce the extent of climate change, primarily by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Term

Adaptation (Climate Change)

Meaning

Adjusting to actual or expected future climate conditions to minimize harm or exploit beneficial opportunities.

Term

Sustainable Development

Meaning

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Term

Net-Zero Emissions

Meaning

Achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere and those taken out.

Learning objectives

  • Understand the causes and impacts of climate change.

  • Identify key environmental policies and their objectives.

  • Recognize India's role and commitments in addressing climate change.

  • Analyze the relationship between human activities and environmental degradation.

  • Appreciate the importance of international cooperation in environmental protection.

Prerequisites

  • Basic understanding of environmental science concepts.

  • Awareness of global and national environmental issues.

  • Familiarity with terms like greenhouse gases, renewable energy, and sustainable development.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing climate change with weather.

  • Underestimating the human contribution to climate change.

  • Ignoring the interconnectedness of environmental policies and economic development.

  • Overlooking India's specific vulnerabilities and policy responses.

  • Assuming climate change is a purely environmental issue, neglecting its social and economic dimensions.

Keywords

  • Climate Change

  • Global Warming

  • Greenhouse Gases

  • Environmental Policy

  • Sustainable Development

  • Renewable Energy

  • Paris Agreement

  • NDC

  • Mitigation

  • Adaptation

  • Deforestation

  • Carbon Emissions

  • IPCC

Practice preview

  • What is the primary goal of the Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015?

    medium

  • Which of the following is NOT a significant source of air pollution in urban areas?

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  • Which of the following is a potential consequence of rising global temperatures?

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