International Green Warrior Olympiad Class 10 Previous Year Paper

Q.1

Consider the case study given below and answer the following question:
Case study: Combatting Global Food Waste
In a study conducted by the World Resources Institute, it was estimated that one-third of all food produced globally is wasted. This staggering amount represents a significant loss of resources, including water, land, and energy, and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. To address this pressing issue, researchers have developed various strategies to reduce food waste, each tailored to specific stages of the food supply chain.
At the household level, meal planning and proper storage practices can significantly reduce food waste. Planning meals ahead of time helps individuals avoid impulse purchases and ensures that ingredients are used before they spoil. Proper storage, such as keeping fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator and storing pantry items in airtight containers, extends the shelf life of food.
In the retail sector, implementing innovative technologies like dynamic pricing and smart packaging can help reduce food waste. Dynamic pricing adjusts the price of perishable items based on their freshness, encouraging consumers to purchase items before they spoil. Smart packaging incorporates sensors that monitor the freshness of food, alerting retailers when items are nearing their expiration dates.
Food waste reduction strategies also extend to the production and processing stages of the food supply chain. Improved harvesting techniques and post-harvest handling practices can minimise damage to crops and reduce food losses. Additionally, diverting inedible food scraps from landfills to composting facilities can convert waste into valuable nutrient-rich soil amendments.
By implementing these strategies at various stages of the food supply chain, we can collectively reduce food waste, conserve resources, and minimise our environmental impact.
Based on the scenario provided, which statement best summarises the overall impact of the food waste reduction initiative?
1. Food waste reduction conserves resources and minimises environmental impact.
2. Food waste reduction improves food security and reduces hunger.
3. Food waste reduction promotes sustainable agriculture and economic growth.

Q.2

In a city, a significant portion of food from households and restaurants is discarded. Which factor explains the direct link between food waste and its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change?

Q.3

Consider the case study given below and answer the following question:
Case Study: The Müller Family's Journey to Renewable Energy
The Müller family, residing in a charming village in the German countryside, had always been conscious about their environmental impact. In 2022, they decided to take an active step towards a greener lifestyle by installing a rooftop solar panel system. Their primary motivation was to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to mitigating climate change. However, as they embarked on this journey, they discovered a plethora of other benefits:
Environmental Benefits:
-Reduced Carbon Footprint: The solar panels generated clean energy, leading to a significant reduction in their carbon emissions. This translated to a cleaner environment for their family, their community, and the planet.
-Improved Air Quality: By relying less on fossil fuels, the Müllers contributed to cleaner air in their region, which improved their overall health and well-being.
Financial Benefits:
-Reduced Electricity Bills: The solar panels generate enough electricity to cover a significant portion of their household energy needs, resulting in substantial savings on their monthly electricity bills. This provided them with financial stability and freed up resources for other expenses.
-Government Incentives: The German government offers various financial incentives for individuals and families adopting renewable energy solutions. The Müllers took advantage of these incentives, further reducing the cost of their solar panel system and accelerating their return on investment.
Lifestyle Benefits:
-Energy Independence: The Müllers achieved a sense of energy independence by generating their own clean energy. This gave them greater control over their energy consumption and reduced their dependence on the national grid, especially during peak hours.
-Enhanced Home Value: Homes with renewable energy systems are becoming increasingly sought-after, leading to a potential increase in the value of the Müller's property.
Overall Impact:
The Müller family's experience showcases the numerous benefits of adopting renewable energy in a domestic setting. Their commitment to environmental sustainability not only helped them create a cleaner future but also resulted in financial savings and enhanced their quality of life. Their story serves as an inspiration for others to consider switching to renewable energy and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Which of the following statements best describes the primary motivation of the Müller family to switch to renewable energy?
1. Environmental sustainability
2. Financial savings
3. Increased energy independence
4. Minimising the environmental impact

Q.4

Scientists at a climate research institute are investigating the relationship between water vapour and Earth's greenhouse effect. They aim to identify the accurate description of this relationship to better understand its implications.
Which of the following accurately describes the relationship between water vapour and Earth's greenhouse effect?

Q.5

You are watching a wildlife documentary where a pod of migrating humpback whales suddenly changed their course, avoiding a polluted area in the river. It was later shown that the scientists discovered high levels of mercury in the water.
How could this pollution potentially threaten the whales?
1. Weaken their immune system
2. Damage their nervous system, impacting movement
3. Blur their vision, hindering navigation and hunting

Q.6

You're a municipal waste manager responsible for handling electronic waste (e-waste) in your city. During a routine inspection of the e-waste disposal facility, you notice a significant amount of discarded electronic devices, including computers, monitors, and smartphones. Concerned about potential health hazards, you decide to educate the public about the risks associated with improper disposal of these devices.
Which of the following group of heavy metals is commonly found in electronics and can pose serious health risks if not properly disposed of?

Q.7

A scientist is studying the effects of climate change on a tropical rainforest. She measures the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere and finds that it has increased by 10% over the past decade. What does this suggest?

Q.8

A team of environmental researchers embarked on an expedition to study the impact of rising temperatures on Arctic wildlife. During their research, they noticed a significant decline in the population of polar bears due to habitat loss caused by melting ice caps. Which of the following statements best describes the direct consequence of this decline in the polar bear population?

Q.9

Considering the impact of climate change, which region might experience a significant rise in the frequency of extreme weather events such as heatwaves and the formation of heat domes?

Q.10

A scientist is monitoring the water quality of a lake used for recreational activities. She observes a sudden increase in the lake's phytoplankton population, followed by a decrease in the DO level and a rise in fish mortality. This phenomenon is most likely due to: