VEC-101 Environmental Science and Sustainability

BBA,BCA and IMCA 2024-25

Question Bank
1. What does the term "environment" include?
A. Only living organisms
B. Air and water only
C. Factors influencing the growth and sustainability of species
D. None of the above

2. What is the primary focus of ecology?

A. Chemical composition of soil
B. Interactions between organisms and their environment
C. Human population growth
D. Conservation of resources

3. Which scientist coined the term 'oekologie'?

A. Ernst Haeckel
B. Ramdeo Misra
C. Rachel Carson
D. Jill Nugent

4. What is the best definition of environmental science?

A. Study of air, water, and soil only
B. Study of human activities' impact on Earth
C. Interdisciplinary study of real-world environmental challenges
D. Study of microorganisms and their surroundings

5. What is the primary goal of environmental science?

A. Ensure short-term resource use
B. Understand natural processes and solve environmental issues
C. Develop advanced farming techniques
D. Focus on economic development only

6. Which of the following is NOT an example of resource management?

A. Drip irrigation in farming
B. Cutting forests without replantation
C. Recycling waste materials
D. Using renewable energy sources

7. What is an ecosystem?
A. Interactions between physical and biological environments
B. A habitat without organisms
C. A single species in isolation
D. A group of physical factors only

8. What does the term "biodiversity" signify?

A. A single species
B. The variety of ecosystems
C. The variety of life in an ecosystem
D. Only plant species

9. What is the primary focus of sustainability?

A. Economic growth only
B. Social welfare without resource conservation
C. Balancing environmental health, social equity, and economic stability
D. Exploitation of natural resources

10. What does the "food web" represent?

A. Interaction of species through energy flow
B. Nutrient cycling in soil
C. Water availability in ecosystems
D. Air quality indicators

11. Which is NOT a pillar of sustainability?

A. Environmental
B. Cultural
C. Economic
D. Social
12. What is the most widely quoted definition of sustainability from?
A. The Stockholm Conference
B. UN World Commission on Environment and Development
C. Earth Charter
D. Kyoto Protocol

13. What does the triple bottom line approach consist of?
A. Natural, physical, artificial systems
B. Economic, environmental, social pillars
C. Physical, chemical, and biological factors
D. Resource use, conservation, and production

14. What type of sustainability focuses on protecting forests and oceans?

A. Social
B. Economic
C. Environmental
D. Political

15. What is the main aim of environmental sustainability?

A. Maximizing short-term profits
B. Ensuring resource availability for future generations
C. Increasing urbanization
D. Promoting industrialization

16. Which of these examples reflects sustainable agriculture?

A. Crop rotation
B. Deforestation for farming
C. Chemical pesticide overuse
D. Over-irrigation

17. Which energy source is an example of sustainability?

A. Coal
B. Solar
C. Oil
D. Natural gas

18. What is the foundation of ecology?

A. Relationships between species and physical surroundings
B. Climate data analysis
C. Air pollution monitoring
D. Urban development studies

19. How does deforestation affect ecosystems?

A. Increases biodiversity
B. Leads to habitat loss
C. Reduces soil erosion
D. Promotes ecosystem balance

20. Which practice reduces air pollution?

A. Burning fossil fuels
B. Using renewable energy
C. Increasing deforestation
D. Building more factories

21. What is the precautionary principle in resource management?

A. Waiting for full evidence before acting
B. Taking preventive measures despite uncertainty
C. Using maximum resources quickly
D. Ignoring long-term environmental risks

22. What principle focuses on balancing resource use and natural regeneration?
A. Carrying capacity
B. Sustainability
C. Conservation
D. Optimization

23. Which is NOT a sustainable practice?

A. Recycling
B. Overfishing
C. Renewable energy
D. Composting

24. What does resource depletion cause?

A. Increased biodiversity
B. Sustainable ecosystems
C. Shortages of essential resources
D. Soil regeneration

25. What does environmental science integrate?

A. Social studies only
B. Physical, biological, and information sciences
C. Economics and law exclusively
D. Cultural anthropology

26. Which of the following best describes one of the key roles of environmental science in ensuring a h
A. Developing new ways to increase industrial production
B. Teaching us how to conserve resources for future generations
C. Promoting the use of fossil fuels for energy generation
D. Encouraging urbanization without environmental planning

[Link] of the following is an example of modifying the environment to meet human needs?
A. Wearing insulated clothing in cold regions
B. Recycling plastic materials
C. Building dams to store water for agriculture
D. Switching to solar energy

28. What is the meaning of "oikos," the Greek root word of ecology?
A. Life
B. House or place to live
C. Organism
D. Environment

29. What is the role of conservation in sustainability?

A. Increasing resource exploitation
B. Protecting resources for long-term use
C. Ignoring biodiversity threats
D. Promoting economic development only
30. What does the principle of equity in resource management ensure?
A. Fair distribution of resources among all sections of society
B. Maximum resource extraction
C. Economic growth without resource sustainability
D. Prioritizing urban areas over rural ones

1 What was the estimated world population in 2015?

A 6 billion
B 7.3 billion
C 8.5 billion
D 9.2 billion

2 Which year did the human population first reach 1 billion?

A 1500
B 1600
C 1804
D 1900

3 What is the term for the increase in the number of individuals in a population over time?
A Biodiversity
B Carrying capacity
C Population growth
D Urbanization

4 What are the two major environmental impacts of human population growth?
A Overpopulation and biodiversity
B Resource consumption and waste production
C Climate change and deforestation
D Urbanization and pollution

5 Which of the following is a consequence of rapid urbanization?

A Increased biodiversity
B Reduced water demand
C Waste management challenges
D Improved air quality

6 What is the main source of air pollution in urban areas?

A Deforestation
B Industrial emissions and vehicles
C Overfishing
D Wildlife conservation efforts

7 How does deforestation contribute to climate change?

A By increasing oxygen levels
B By reducing carbon storage capacity
C By supporting biodiversity
D By decreasing global warming

8 What is a major cause of habitat loss?

A Conservation programs
B Urban expansion and deforestation
C Renewable energy use
D Resource recycling

9 What is the environmental impact of improper waste disposal?

A Increased biodiversity
B Soil and water pollution
C Enhanced soil fertility
D Improved recycling rates

10What happens when groundwater is extracted at a high rate?

A Improved water table levels
B Reduced agricultural demand
C Water shortages and habitat changes
D Increased water availability

11Which city is known for severe air pollution and smog issues?
A Delhi, India
B Cape Town, South Africa
C Los Angeles, USA
D Lagos, Nigeria

12What is one major consequence of waste mismanagement in urban areas?

A Increase in renewable resources
B Contamination of freshwater bodies
C Reduction in biodiversity
D Increase in industrial profits

13 How does climate change primarily affect agriculture?

A Improves crop yields
B Extends growing seasons
C Disrupts growing conditions
D Reduces pest outbreaks

14What is a significant environmental challenge of rapid population growth?

A Increased urban greenery
B Decreased industrialization
C Higher waste generation
D Reduction in carbon emissions

15Which resource is most affected by water pollution?

A Fossil fuels
B Freshwater
C Solar energy
D Biodiversity

16Which environmental issue is closely tied to the burning of fossil fuels?

A Urbanization
B Climate change
C Deforestation
D Habitat loss

17 What is the primary reason for deforestation in the Amazon?

A Urban expansion
B Agricultural development
C Biodiversity conservation
D Industrial pollution

18Which activity leads to desertification?

A Overgrazing and deforestation
B Urban greenery projects
C Renewable energy development
D Ocean conservation

19 What is a common pollutant found in industrial effluents?

A Mercury
B Oxygen
C Nitrogen
D Carbon dioxide

20 When was the Environment (Protection) Act enacted?

A 1974
B 1981
C 1986
D 1995

21 What was the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 a response to?

A Kyoto Protocol
B Stockholm Conference
C Bhopal Gas Tragedy
D Earth Charter

22 Which authority is empowered under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?

A Central Government
B National Biodiversity Authority
C State Pollution Control Boards
D Local Municipalities

23Which body is responsible for regulating air quality in India?

A Central Pollution Control Board
B National Green Tribunal
C Ministry of Health
D Local Panchayats

24 Which Act focuses on preventing water pollution in India?

A Air Act, 1981
B Forest Conservation Act, 1980
C Water Act, 1974
D Biodiversity Act, 2002

25 What penalty does the Environment (Protection) Act impose for violations?
A No fine
B Fine up to ₹1 lakh or imprisonment
C Only imprisonment for 10 years
D Cancellation of industrial licenses

26 Which Act regulates the use of hazardous substances?

A Water Act, 1974
B Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
C Air Act, 1981
D Biodiversity Act, 2002

The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, aims to control pollution from which 27 sourc
A Water bodies
B Industries and vehicles
C Deforestation
D Agriculture

28 Which authority monitors compliance with water pollution standards in India?

A State Pollution Control Boards
B Ministry of Urban Development
C National Disaster Management Authority
D Local municipalities
29 What is the penalty for continuous violation under the Environment (Protection) Act?
A ₹5,000 per day
B ₹10,000 per day
C ₹1 lakh per year
D ₹2 lakh per month

30 What is the main objective of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974?
A Restrict industrialization
B Protect and restore water quality
C Increase groundwater extraction
D Promote urban expansion

31 Which Act ensures quick compensation for accidents involving hazardous substances?
A Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
B Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
C Air Act, 1981
D Biodiversity Act, 2002

32 Which principle does the Environment (Protection) Act emphasize?

A Precautionary principle
B Unlimited resource use
C Fossil fuel dependency
D Industrial growth at any cost

1. What is the main goal of sustainable business practices?

A. Profit maximization
B. Environmental conservation, societal benefit, and profitability
C. Reducing competition in the market
D. Focusing only on employee welfare

2 What are the three key aspects of sustainability in business?

A. Product, People, Process
B. Economic, Social, Environmental
C. Innovation, Technology, Marketing
D. Supply chain, Management, Resources

3 What is Business Sustainability 1.0 focused on?

A. Reducing negative impacts on society
B. Improving environmental quality
C. Refined shareholder value management
D. Promoting community welfare

4 Which level of business sustainability aims to actively solve global sustainability problems?
A. Business Sustainability 1.0
B. Business Sustainability 2.0
C. Business Sustainability 3.0
D. Traditional business management

5 What is the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework?

A. A financial strategy
B. Focus on profit, people, and planet
C. Marketing strategy for customer engagement
D. Product design for cost reduction

6 Which company is known for adopting 100% renewable energy in its operations?
A. Microsoft
B. Apple
C. Google
D. Tesla

7 What does Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emphasize?

A. Financial goals only
B. Compliance with tax laws
C. Contributing positively to society, environment, and economy
D. Reducing employee benefits

8 Who defined CSR as "actions that appear to further some social good"?
A. Jill Nugent
B. Bowen
C. McWilliams and Siegel
D. Rachel Carson

9 Which of these is an example of environmental responsibility in CSR?

A. Paying employees minimum wages
B. Using renewable energy and recycling materials
C. Providing financial incentives to customers
D. Expanding factory production

10 What is the key characteristic of ethical responsibility in CSR?

A. Focus on maximizing profits
B. Fair treatment of employees and suppliers
C. Increasing market share
D. Avoiding innovation

11 Which principle is included in Carroll's CSR Pyramid?

A. Environmental innovation
B. Legal responsibility
C. Stakeholder exclusion
D. Profit maximization only

12 What is one way CSR can promote social sustainability?

A. Ignoring employee welfare
B. Reducing product quality
C. Supporting community health and education
D. Increasing carbon emissions

13 What is economic responsibility in CSR?

A. Avoiding profit-making
B. Generating profit while being ethical
C. Focusing only on social initiatives
D. Neglecting environmental conservation

14 What is a core principle of the green business model?

A. Planned obsolescence
B. Waste reduction through recycling
C. Ignoring environmental regulations
D. Increasing carbon emissions

15 What is the primary focus of a circular economy?

A. Linear resource use
B. Recycling, repairing, and reusing resources
C. Generating single-use products
D. Reducing production costs only

16 What is a key benefit of the circular economy?

A. Promotes waste generation
B. Extends product life and reduces raw material use
C. Focuses on non-renewable energy sources
D. Supports short-term profits only

17 What does "reduce" in the 5 R’s of a circular economy mean?

A. Decreasing product durability
B. Using fewer resources
C. Eliminating renewable energy use
D. Avoiding repair

18 Which is an example of a circular economy in action?

A. Single-use plastics
B. Glass bottle reuse and recycling
C. Fossil fuel extraction
D. Deforestation for agriculture

19 What is a key feature of green business models?

A. Polluting production processes
B. Efficient resource use and innovation
C. Focus on profit without ethics
D. Reliance on fossil fuels
20 How do green businesses encourage customer involvement?
A. Ignoring customer needs
B. Educating customers on eco-friendly habits
C. Promoting excessive consumption
D. Reducing product quality

21 Which company is known for supporting ethical coffee sourcing?

A. Starbucks
B. Coca-Cola
C. Nike
D. Amazon

22 What does the "planet" pillar in TBL focus on?

A. Economic growth
B. Environmental conservation
C. Customer loyalty
D. Technological advancements

23 What is the main goal of sustainable supply chain management?

A. Maximizing waste
B. Reducing environmental impact
C. Increasing product pricing
D. Focusing on short-term profits

24 What is an example of sustainable business innovation?

A. Using biodegradable packaging
B. Expanding mining operations
C. Promoting single-use products
D. Avoiding renewable energy

25 How do businesses align with the United Nations SDGs?

A. Ignoring environmental issues
B. Promoting clean energy and reduced inequalities
C. Focusing on profits only
D. Avoiding community involvement

26 Corporate Social Responsibility includes ___________ contributions to society, environment, and economy.
A. charitable
B. positive
C. minimal
D. exclusive

27 The term _______ refers to ensuring fair treatment and responsibility in sourcing practices.
A. Ethical sourcing
B. corporate governance
C. profit maximization
D. linear economy
28 What is the key feature of business sustainability 2.0?
A. Ignoring environmental issues
B. Balancing economic, social, and environmental aspects
C. Increasing profits at any cost
D. Reducing stakeholder engagement

29 What is a benefit of CSR for businesses?

A. Reduced customer trust
B. Improved brand reputation and customer loyalty
C. Higher operational risks
D. Neglecting environmental issues

30 Sustainable design aims to create products that are _______ and environmentally friendly.
A. cost-effective
B. long-lasting
C. disposable
D. non-recyclable

31 What is the goal of economic sustainability in a business context?

A. Ensure long-term growth with minimal environmental harm
B. Focus solely on short-term profits
C. Reduce societal engagement
D. Maximize resource depletion

32 The term _______ refers to practices that balance the needs of current and future generations.
A. renewable energy
B. sustainability
C. industrialization
D. resource depletion

33 What does "reuse" in a circular economy emphasize?

A. Sharing or leasing products instead of owning
B. Using new raw materials only
C. Increasing waste production
D. Avoiding repair and refurbishment

34 What is a key benefit of integrating sustainability into business operations?

A. Enhanced brand reputation and customer loyalty
B. Decreased market share
C. Increased regulatory non-compliance
D. Neglecting environmental standards

35 What is the focus of social sustainability in businesses?

A. Reducing stakeholder engagement
B. Promoting fair access to education and healthcare
C. Ignoring community development
D. Increasing economic inequality

36 Which sustainability practice contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions?

A. Adopting renewable energy technologies
B. Expanding fossil fuel consumption
C. Increasing deforestation
D. Promoting single-use plastics

37 What is the significance of stakeholder engagement in CSR?

A. Building trust and long-term partnerships
B. Avoiding public participation
C. Increasing operational secrecy
D. Reducing transparency in business processes

38 What is an example of a sustainable transportation initiative?

A. Encouraging the use of electric vehicles
B. Expanding fossil fuel-powered fleets
C. Reducing investments in public transportation
D. Promoting private vehicle usage

39 What is a primary challenge in adopting sustainable practices?

A. High initial costs of implementation
B. Reduced efficiency in resource use
C. Decreasing community involvement
D. Increasing short-term profits

40 Which certification is globally recognized for environmental management systems?

A. ISO 14001
B. LEED Certification
C. FSC Certification
D. Green Seal Certification

1 What is the most urgent environmental issue currently?

A. Overpopulation
B. Global warming and climate change
C. Deforestation
D. Biodiversity loss

2 Which activities have substantially increased greenhouse gas emissions?

A. Urbanization and agriculture
B. Water conservation and afforestation
C. Overpopulation and fossil fuel use
D. Waste recycling and renewable energy adoptio

3 What is biodiversity?
A. Total number of species on Earth
B. Variety of life forms, including genes, species, and ecosystems
C. The genetic structure of humans
D. Only plant diversity

4 Which level of biodiversity involves unique genetic makeup in individuals?

A. Genetic diversity
B. Species diversity
C. Ecosystem diversity
D. Habitat diversity

5 What is an example of ecosystem diversity in India?

A. Mangroves like Sundarbans
B. Coral reefs in Australia
C. African savannas
D. Amazon rainforest

6 What is the purpose of in-situ biodiversity conservation?

A. Protecting species in their natural habitats
B. Moving species to zoos
C. Genetic modification of plants
D. Reducing fossil fuel consumption

7 Which of the following is an example of ex-situ conservation?

A. Wildlife sanctuaries
B. Biosphere reserves
C. Botanical gardens
D. National parks

8 What is the main cause of habitat loss?

A. Urbanization and deforestation
B. Wildlife conservation
C. Afforestation programs
D. Renewable energy projects

9 Which treaty aims to conserve biodiversity?

A. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
B. Montreal Protocol
C. Basel Convention
D. Kyoto Protocol

10 What is a biodiversity hotspot?

A. Area with minimal biodiversity
B. Region with high biodiversity under threat
C. Ecosystems that are uninhabited
D. Urban areas with green spaces

11 The process of converting seawater into freshwater is called ________

A. Desalination
B. Filtration
C. Irrigation
D. Recycling

12 The ________ Protocol focuses on phasing out ozone-depleting substances like CFCs.
A. Kyoto
B. Montreal
C. Paris
D. Basel

13 What is the purpose of the Ramsar Convention?

A. Protecting wetlands of global importance
B. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
C. Controlling trade of endangered species
D. Promoting nuclear energy

14 What does the Montreal Protocol aim to eliminate?

A. Fossil fuel use
B. Carbon dioxide emissions
C. Ozone-depleting substances like CFCs
D. Endangered species trade

15 What is the main objective of the Kyoto Protocol?

A. Controlling hazardous waste
B. Setting binding emission reduction targets
C. Promoting biodiversity hotspots
D. Regulating international trade

16 What is Agenda 21?

A. A global plan for sustainable development
B. A treaty for wetland protection
C. A protocol for hazardous waste management
D. A framework for renewable energy promotion

17 Which resource is managed through rainwater harvesting?

A. Energy
B. Water
C. Biodiversity
D. Fossil fuels

18 Which method reduces water wastage in agriculture?

A. Drip irrigation
B. Over-irrigation
C. Manual watering
D. Natural flooding

19 The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was introduced in the year ________.
A. 1987
B. 1966
C. 1955
D. 1997

20 What does desalination involve?

A. Converting seawater into freshwater
B. Purifying air pollutants
C. Increasing fossil fuel reserves
D. Building artificial ecosystems

21 What is the focus of energy resource management?

A. Sustainable use of energy resources
B. Maximizing fossil fuel usage
C. Reducing renewable energy investments
D. Ignoring carbon emissions

22 Which is an example of renewable energy?

A. Solar energy
B. Coal
C. Natural gas
D. Nuclear energy

23 What is the goal of energy conservation?

A. Increasing fossil fuel dependency
B. Reducing energy usage to prolong resources
C. Promoting single-use appliances
D. Avoiding technological advancements

24 What is the Paris Agreement's main aim?

A. Reducing global temperature rise to below 2°C
B. Protecting endangered species
C. Promoting agricultural expansion
D. Controlling hazardous chemicals

25 What is the Basel Convention concerned with?

A. Green energy production
B. Reduction of carbon emissions
C. Biodiversity conservation
D. Control of hazardous waste movement

26 What does CITES regulate?

A. Trade in endangered species
B. Emissions from industries
C. Renewable energy adoption
D. Wetland conservation
27 Which sector relies heavily on water resource management?
A. Automobile manufacturing
B. IT
C. Agriculture
D. Retail

28 Which practice minimizes energy waste in homes?

A. Using LED lights
B. Burning coal for heating
C. Using outdated appliances
D. Ignoring insulation

29 What is the purpose of a smart grid?

A. Improve energy efficiency and reliability
B. Increase fossil fuel dependency
C. Promote deforestation
D. Encourage high energy waste

30 What does the Stockholm Convention aim to eliminate?

A. Greenhouse gases
B. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
C. Ozone-depleting substances
D. Endangered species trade

31 What is the importance of biodiversity in agriculture?

A. Provides genetic resources for crops
B. Increases soil erosion
C. Reduces pest resistance
D. Decreases climate adaptability

32 Which organization works globally to protect endangered species?

A. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
B. Paris Agreement
C. Kyoto Protocol
D. UNFCCC

33 What is the primary objective of afforestation?

A. Reduce agricultural land
B. Increase urban expansion
C. Restore ecosystems and combat deforestation
D. Promote fossil fuel use

34 Which treaty controls emissions trading?

A. Kyoto Protocol
B. Montreal Protocol
C. Paris Agreement
D. Ramsar Convention
35 What is the role of wetlands in climate regulation?
A. Promote soil erosion
B. Emit greenhouse gases
C. Accelerate biodiversity loss
D. Store carbon and purify water

36 What is the importance of energy efficiency?

A. Reduces costs and environmental impact
B. Increases greenhouse gas emissions
C. Promotes fossil fuel use
D. Discourages renewable energy

37 What is a critical step to conserve water?

A. Fixing leaks and using water-saving appliances
B. Ignoring watershed protection
C. Increasing untreated wastewater discharge
D. Encouraging over

38 What does the Basel Convention regulate?

A. Transboundary movement of hazardous waste
B. Trade in endangered species
C. Emission reduction targets
D. Biodiversity conservation

39 Which agreement addresses Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)?

A. Basel Convention
B. Ramsar Convention
C. Montreal Protocol
D. Stockholm Convention

40 Which agreement deals with climate finance to support developing countries?

A. Paris Agreement
B. Kyoto Protocol
C. Ramsar Convention
D. Stockholm Convention