Environmental Science and Sustainability – Part A Answers
For CSBS 4th Semester
Set 1 – ESS Part A
1. What is ecological succession?
It is a natural process where one type of plant or animal community slowly changes
into another over time until a stable ecosystem is formed.
2. List out the e ect of habitat loss on biodiversity.
o Loss of plant and animal species
o Species extinction
o Less genetic variety
o Ecosystem imbalance
3. Mention the sources responsible for water pollution.
o Factory waste
o Sewage and drainage
o Pesticides and fertilizers from farms
o Oil spills
4. What is composting?
Composting is converting organic waste like food and leaves into natural fertilizer
using microbes.
5. Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
o Renewable: Can be reused and won’t run out (e.g., solar, wind)
o Non-renewable: Limited in supply and will run out (e.g., coal, oil)
6. What is a solar cell?
A solar cell is a device that changes sunlight into electricity.
7. Define sustainable development.
Using resources to meet our needs without harming the ability of future generations
to meet theirs.
8. Enumerate the concept of carbon credit.
It is a permit allowing a country or company to emit a fixed amount of CO₂. If they
emit less, they can sell the extra.
9. What are the stages of a life cycle assessment (LCA)?
o Define the goal
o Collect data
o Check environmental impact
o Study and improve results
10. What are the benefits of environmental impact assessment?
Helps in better planning
Reduces environmental harm
Involves the public
Supports decision-making
Set 2 – ESS Part A
1. Ascertain the need of public awareness on environmental aspects.
Awareness helps people understand the value of nature and act responsibly to
reduce pollution and protect the environment.
2. Highlight the issues happened in the society due to the poaching of wildlife.
o Endangered animals
o Disturbance in the food chain
o Biodiversity loss
o Weakens forest ecosystems
3. Give a brief discussion on the consequences of the noise pollution.
o Hearing problems
o Stress and lack of sleep
o Disturbs wildlife
o Reduces work e iciency
4. Give a brief description about the E-waste management.
Managing electronic waste by recycling or safely disposing of old devices to avoid
harm to health and the environment.
5. Highlight about the possibilities of the new energy sources suitable for
implementation.
New sources like solar, wind, and hydrogen are clean, renewable, and can reduce
pollution and energy costs.
6. Comment on the important applications of the hydrogen energy.
o Used in fuel cells for transport
o Produces electricity
o Used in industries as clean energy
7. State about the salient features of the sustainable development.
o Meets present and future needs
o Protects environment
o Promotes economic growth and equality
o Focuses on long-term progress
8. Give a brief description on the concept of carbon credit.
A carbon credit is a permit to release 1 ton of CO₂. Companies with fewer emissions
can sell credits to others.
9. Mention about the material life cycle assessment.
It checks how a product a ects the environment during its full life—from raw
material to disposal.
10. Give a specific note on the environmental impact assessment.
A study done before a big project to check if it will harm the environment and
suggest solutions to reduce the harm.
Set 3 – ESS Part A
1. Define ecosystem.
An ecosystem is a community where living things like plants and animals interact
with non-living things like soil, water, and air.
2. Mention any two threats to biodiversity.
o Habitat destruction
o Pollution and illegal hunting
3. What is soil pollution?
Pollution of soil by harmful chemicals, waste, or fertilizers which reduce its fertility
and a ect plant growth.
4. Give any two methods for solid waste management.
o Composting organic waste
o Recycling materials like plastic and paper
5. Mention any two applications of hydrogen energy.
o Used as fuel in vehicles
o Used in electricity generation through fuel cells
6. Give two ways for energy conservation.
o Use energy-saving devices like LEDs
o Switch o devices when not in use
7. Define carbon footprint.
The total amount of greenhouse gases released by an activity or person, measured
in units of CO₂.
8. Mention any two sustainability goals.
o Clean water and sanitation
o A ordable and clean energy
9. What is environmental impact assessment?
It is a process to find out how a new project may a ect the environment and suggest
ways to prevent damage.
10. Define energy e iciency.
Using less energy to do the same work, like using star-rated appliances that save
electricity.
