Question 1: What is 'air pollution'?

Answer: The contamination of the atmosphere by harmful substances such as gases, particulates, or biological molecules.

Question 2: Define 'water pollution'.

Answer: The contamination of water bodies by harmful substances, making water unsafe for humans and ecosystems.

Question 3: Name two primary sources of land pollution.

Answer: Landfills and illegal dumping of waste.

Question 4: Give an example of a country affected by severe air pollution.

Answer: India, particularly cities like Delhi.

Question 5: What does 'biodegradable' mean in relation to waste?

Answer: Waste that can be broken down naturally by microorganisms.

Question 1: Which of the following is a major source of greenhouse gases contributing to global warming?

Answer: Industrial emissions

Question 2: Name the process by which pollutants in water can harm aquatic life.

Answer: Eutrophication, which causes excessive nutrient enrichment leading to oxygen depletion.

Question 3: What is 'acid rain' and how does it form?

Answer: Acid rain is precipitation with high acidity caused by sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released into the atmosphere, which react with water vapor.

Question 4: Identify two human activities that significantly contribute to air pollution.

Answer: Vehicle emissions and burning fossil fuels.

Question 1: Describe two major environmental impacts of water pollution in the Ganges River.

Answer: Loss of aquatic biodiversity and contamination of drinking water sources leading to health issues.

Question 2: Explain how air pollution in London affects public health and the environment.

Answer: It causes respiratory problems in people, increases smog, and damages ecosystems through acid deposition.

Question 3: Analyze the factors that have contributed to pollution levels in Delhi compared to London.

Answer: Delhi experiences higher pollution levels due to rapid urbanization, vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and crop burning. Unlike London, it has less effective pollution control policies and infrastructure, leading to worse air quality.

Question 1: Explain why urban areas tend to have higher levels of air and water pollution than rural areas.

Answer: Urban areas have higher pollution due to dense populations, increased vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and greater waste production, which all contribute to environmental contamination.

Question 2: Analyse the main reasons for the increase in plastic waste in the oceans over recent decades.

Answer: The increase is driven by higher plastic consumption, inadequate waste disposal and recycling, illegal dumping, and the durability of plastics that persist in the environment, leading to widespread marine pollution.

Question 1: To what extent have policies like the Clean Air Act in the UK been successful in reducing air pollution? Support your answer with arguments for and against.

Answer: The Clean Air Act has been largely successful in reducing emissions from factories and vehicles, leading to improved air quality in many urban areas. However, challenges remain due to ongoing urbanization, vehicle numbers, and emerging pollutants. While the policies set a strong framework, enforcement and technological advancements are needed for further success. Overall, it has significantly improved air quality but has not completely eliminated pollution issues.