UPSC Prelims 2019 · GS Paper I

Question 25: Environment and Ecology

In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?

aCreating the artificial rains in some regions

bReducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones

cReducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth

dReducing the global warming

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

Cirrus cloud thinning and the injection of sulphate aerosols into the stratosphere are climate engineering, or geoengineering, proposals to reduce global warming. Thinning high cirrus clouds lets more of Earth's heat escape to space, while stratospheric sulphate aerosols reflect sunlight, imitating the cooling after large volcanic eruptions. They are not meant to create rain, weaken cyclones or block the solar wind.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Artificial rain uses cloud seeding, not these techniques.
(b) These techniques are not used to weaken cyclones.
(c) The solar wind is not what these techniques target.
(d) Correct: both are geoengineering ideas to reduce global warming.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious question Next question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2019, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.