Question

Five Mark (Long Answer Type) Questions
(a) What is El Nino effect ? Explain how it accounts for biodiversity loss.
(b) Explain any three measures that you as an individual would take to reduce environmental pollution.

Answer 1

a) El Niño is defined as an abnormal weather pattern caused by the warming of the Pacific Ocean near the equator, off the coast of South America. The sun warms the water near the equator, which can make more clouds and, therefore, more rain. It has detrimental effects on biodiversity leading to its large-scale loss by

• warmer sea temperatures leading to plankton and fish kills in coastal waters
• lower sea levels leading to exposure of underwater coral reefs, causing their loss.
• higher sea levels leading to saltwater mixing into water supplies
• coastal erosion and damage to shoreline and property. Also, flooding and increased rainfall can be deleterious for biodiversity.

b) Measures that can be taken at personal level include:-

• car pooling and use of cycles to reduce air pollution by minimizing fuel usage.
• Minimizing the use of CFCs, deodorants and room fresheners. Natural products can be used instead.
• Reusing, recycling and reducing the consumption of resources.