MCQs - 2026-04

Forest degradation, which refers to the loss of forest quality without complete clearing, is also a major environmental concern in the Amazon, impacting its ecological functions.

The marginal decrease is linked to enhanced government enforcement, increased international scrutiny, and the implementation of some sustainable land-use policies.

Deforestation releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, and leads to the destruction of habitats, resulting in significant biodiversity loss.

The expansion of land for cattle ranching and the cultivation of crops like soy are the leading causes of deforestation in the Amazon basin.

Sectors like heavy industry, transportation, and power generation are considered 'hard-to-abate' because their emissions are difficult to reduce through electrification alone, making them prime candidates for green hydrogen.

By developing domestic green hydrogen production, India aims to reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels, thereby enhancing its energy security.

The cost of producing green hydrogen is currently higher than that of grey hydrogen, which is a significant barrier to its widespread adoption, despite advancements.

A key long-term goal of India's climate strategy, supported by initiatives like the Green Hydrogen Mission, is to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2070.

Green hydrogen is specifically produced through electrolysis of water, where the electricity used comes from renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.

The technology combines advancements in material science (bio-concrete) with a deep understanding of marine biology and coral ecology to create a substrate that actively supports reef restoration.