Environment & Ecology MCQs

The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) is a primary source for data and analysis on snow and ice, including Arctic sea ice extent.

As reflective ice melts, it exposes darker ocean water, which absorbs more solar radiation, leading to further warming and more melting – a positive feedback loop.

The loss of sea ice directly impacts Arctic marine life, such as polar bears and seals, which depend on it for hunting, breeding, and resting.

The minimum sea ice extent is reached at the end of the summer melt season, usually in September, before the onset of winter freezing.

Arctic Amplification refers to the disproportionately rapid warming observed in the Arctic region compared to the rest of the planet.

A robust treaty is expected to curb pollution, drive innovation in sustainable materials, and foster a circular economy model for plastics.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the lead agency facilitating the negotiations for the legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution.

A major disagreement lies between nations advocating for upstream controls on plastic production and those preferring to focus primarily on end-of-life waste management.

The lifecycle approach advocates for upstream measures like limiting virgin plastic production and ensuring chemical transparency, in addition to downstream waste management solutions.

The treaty aims to tackle plastic pollution comprehensively by addressing all stages of the plastic lifecycle, including production, design, use, and disposal.