CSS Environmental Science Paper 2016

Table of Contents

CSS Environmental Science Paper 2016

No. 2. What is the Importance of the Report “Our Common Future” in the history of the Environmental Movement? What common threats were identified in the report and what measures were suggested for the sustainability of the earth system? (20)

No. 3. Discuss in detail the Environmental Implications of Demographic factors. Elaborate the consequences of each Environmental Implication. (20)

No. 4. Do you believe that Genders play their roles differently in Environmental Management and Conservation? Discuss in detail the concept of “Ecofeminism” from international and national perspectives taking into consideration the gendered rights to resources. (20)

No. 5. How does Technological Development lead to Climate Change and consequent change in Natural and Societal Systems? Also, furnish possible adaptation options to Climate Change. (20)

No. 6. What are the salient features of the Environmental Policy of Pakistan? Discuss if pertinent laws and institutions are existent and justifiably effective. (20)

No. 7. What are the salient requirements of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change? Why there was a need for a supplementary Kyoto Protocol? Elaborate on the controversies associated with the protocol. (20)

No. 8. Write short notes on any FOUR of the following: (5 each)

CDM
Genetic Pollution
Impacts of Noise Pollution
Causes of Desertification
Carbon Sequestration
Urban Heat Island Effect

Summaries of Questions:

No. 2. What is the Importance of the Report “Our Common Future” in the history of the Environmental Movement? What common threats were identified in the report and what measures were suggested for the sustainability of the earth system?

The “Our Common Future” report, also known as the Brundtland Report (1987), is a landmark document in the environmental movement as it introduced the concept of sustainable development, linking economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity. The report identified threats such as environmental degradation, resource depletion, and climate change. It recommended measures like reducing poverty, conserving ecosystems, promoting renewable energy, and international cooperation to ensure a sustainable future for the Earth.

No. 3. Discuss in detail the Environmental Implications of Demographic factors. Elaborate the consequences of each Environmental Implication.

Demographic factors, such as population growth, urbanization, and migration, have significant environmental implications. Population growth increases the demand for resources, leading to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and higher emissions. Urbanization causes habitat destruction and pollution. Migration can stress local ecosystems and resources. Each of these factors exacerbates environmental challenges like climate change, water scarcity, and land degradation, requiring sustainable management and planning to mitigate their impact.

No. 4. Do you believe that Genders play their roles differently in Environmental Management and Conservation? Discuss in detail the concept of “Ecofeminism” from international and national perspectives taking into consideration the gendered rights to resources.

Genders do indeed play different roles in environmental management and conservation. Traditionally, women, particularly in developing countries, have had close ties to natural resources through activities like farming and water collection. Ecofeminism highlights the intersection between gender, ecology, and social justice, arguing that women’s unique experiences of resource management should be central to environmental conservation. It critiques the exploitation of both women and the environment, calling for gender-inclusive policies. Internationally and nationally, Ecofeminism emphasizes women’s rights to resources and decision-making power in managing environmental sustainability.

No. 5. How does Technological Development lead to Climate Change and consequent change in Natural and Societal Systems? Also, furnish possible adaptation options to Climate Change.

Technological development, while providing economic growth, has contributed to climate change through the increased use of fossil fuels, industrial processes, and deforestation. These activities release greenhouse gases, leading to global warming and its impacts on natural systems (like melting ice caps, sea level rise, and biodiversity loss) and societal systems (such as increased frequency of natural disasters and migration). Adaptation options include renewable energy adoption, water conservation, climate-resilient agriculture, and strengthening disaster management infrastructure to protect vulnerable communities.

No. 6. What are the salient features of the Environmental Policy of Pakistan? Discuss if pertinent laws and institutions are existent and justifiably effective.

Pakistan’s Environmental Policy focuses on sustainable development, conservation of natural resources, and addressing pollution. Key features include environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and promoting renewable energy. The country has established institutions like the Ministry of Climate Change and relevant laws such as the Environmental Protection Act (1997). However, challenges include insufficient implementation, limited resources, and political instability, which hinder the effectiveness of these laws and institutions in ensuring sustainable environmental management.

No. 7. What are the salient requirements of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change? Why there was a need for a supplementary Kyoto Protocol? Elaborate on the controversies associated with the protocol.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) sets out the international framework for addressing climate change, emphasizing the need for mitigation and adaptation measures, emission reductions, and financial and technological support for developing countries. The Kyoto Protocol, established as a supplementary agreement, introduced legally binding emission reduction targets for developed nations. Its controversies stemmed from the fact that it did not include developing countries like China and India, the U.S. withdrew, and some countries found it economically burdensome.

No. 8. Write short notes on any FOUR of the following:

CDM
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is a market-based approach under the Kyoto Protocol that allows developed countries to invest in environmental projects in developing countries to earn emission reduction credits. It aims to reduce emissions and promote sustainable development in developing nations.

Genetic Pollution
Genetic pollution refers to the unintended spread of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into natural ecosystems or non-GMO crops. This can disrupt biodiversity, reduce agricultural resilience, and pose ecological risks by altering natural gene pools.

Impacts of Noise Pollution
Noise pollution, caused by traffic, industrial activity, and urbanization, can have significant health impacts, including hearing loss, sleep disturbances, and increased stress. It also affects wildlife, disrupting communication, migration, and mating patterns.

Causes of Desertification
Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert as a result of various factors such as deforestation, overgrazing, drought, and poor agricultural practices. Climate change exacerbates the situation, reducing soil fertility and leading to the loss of arable land.

Carbon Sequestration
Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide to mitigate climate change. This can be done through natural methods like afforestation and soil management, or through technological methods like carbon capture and storage (CCS).

Urban Heat Island Effect
The Urban Heat Island Effect occurs when urban areas become significantly warmer than their rural surroundings due to human activities, lack of vegetation, and the extensive use of concrete and asphalt. It leads to increased energy consumption, air pollution, and health problems like heat stress.