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UPSC CSE Prelims 2022 — Environment Questions with Answers

All 13 Environment previous-year questions from UPSC CSE Prelims 2022, each with the correct answer and a full explanation. Practise them as a free, timed mock test with instant scoring.

1. Q1.Environment

   Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide?

   • a)Cotton
   • b)Rice
   • c)Sugarcane
   • d)Wheat
2. Q2.Environment

   “Climate Action Tracker” which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a:

   • a)Database created by coalition of research organisations
   • b)Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change”
   • c)Committee under “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”
   • d)Agency promoted and financed by United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank
3. Q3.Environment

   Consider the following statements: 1. “The Climate Group” is an international non-profit organization that drives climate action by building large networks and runs them. 2. The International Energy Agency in partnership with the Climate Group launched a global initiative “EP100”. 3. EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emmission reduction goals. 4. Some Indian companies are members of EP100. 5. The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the “Under2 Coalition”. Which of the statements given above are correct?

   • a)1, 2, 4 and 5
   • b)1, 3 and 4 only
   • c)2, 3 and 5 only
   • d)1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
4. Q4.Environment

   “If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys.” Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statements?

   • a)The water cycle in wetlands involves surface runoff, subsoil percolation and evaporation.
   • b)Algae from the nutrient base upon which fish, crustaceans, molluscs, birds, reptiles and mammals thrive.
   • c)Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining sedimentation balance and soil stabilization.
   • d)Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.
5. Q5.Environment

   In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements: 1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 ug/m3 and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 μg/m³. 2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather. 3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream. 4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma. Which of the statements given above are correct?

   • a)1, 3 and 4
   • b)1 and 4 only
   • c)2, 3 and 4
   • d)1 and 2 only
6. Q6.Environment

   Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing plants ? 1. Alfalfa 2. Amaranth 3. Chickpea 4. Clover 5. Purslane (Kulfa) 6. Spinach Select the correct answer using the code given below :

   • a)1, 3 and 4 only
   • b)1, 3, 5 and 6 only
   • c)2, 4, 5 and 6 only
   • d)1, 2, 4,5 and 6
7. Q7.Environment

   “Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following situations?

   • a)Restoration of damaged coral reefs
   • b)Development of building materials using plant residues
   • c)Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas
   • d)Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests/protected areas
8. Q8.Environment

   The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the:

   • a)Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas
   • b)Development of gardens using genetically modified flora
   • c)Creation of mini forests in urban areas
   • d)Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces
9. Q9.Environment

   Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?

   • a)Central Water Commission
   • b)Central Ground Water Board
   • c)Central Ground Water Authority
   • d)National Water Development Agency
10. Q10.Environment

    Which one of the following statements best describes the ‘Polar Code’?

    • a)It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters.
    • b)It is the agreement of the countries around the North Pole regarding the demarcation of their territories in the polar region.
    • c)It is a set of norms to be followed by the countries whose scientists undertake research studies in the North Pole and South Pole.
    • d)It is a trade and security agreement of the member countries of the Arctic Council.
11. Q11.Environment

    Which one of the following best describes the term “greenwashing”?

    • a)Conveying a false impression that a company’s products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
    • b)Non-inclusion of ecological/environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a country
    • c)Ignoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure development
    • d)Making mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme
12. Q12.Environment

    With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements: 1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government. 2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside. 3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    • a)1 and 2
    • b)2 only
    • c)1 and 3
    • d)3 only
13. Q13.Environment

    Consider the following 1. Carbon monoxide 2. Nitrogen oxide 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain?

    • a)1, 2 and 3
    • b)2 and 4 only
    • c)4 only
    • d)1, 3 and 4