Topic: changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Q2. Ground-level ozone is increasingly recognised as a transboundary environmental problem. Explain the reasons for its regional spread. Assess the limitations of city-centric pollution control strategies. Suggest an appropriate approach to address the issue. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question
Ground-level ozone is emerging as a major environmental challenge due to its increasing regional spread across India, making it important from the perspective of environmental geography and air pollution.
Key Demand of the question
The question requires explaining why ground-level ozone has become a transboundary environmental problem due to its regional spread. It also demands an assessment of the limitations of city-centric pollution control and suitable approaches for effective ozone management.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Define ground-level ozone as a secondary pollutant and highlight its growing regional significance.
Body
- Reasons for regional spread: Mention the geographical and atmospheric factors responsible for its transboundary nature.
- Limitations of city-centric strategies: Explain why localised pollution control is inadequate for ozone management.
- Appropriate approach: Suggest the need for integrated, multi-pollutant and airshed-based management.
Conclusion
Conclude by highlighting the need for coordinated regional air quality governance to address the evolving geography of ozone pollution.
