Q) Discuss the possible effects of Global warming on the transmission of infectious diseases.

A) Global warming is the gradual rise in Earth's temperature, primarily caused by increased levels
of carbon dioxide, CFCs, and other pollutants, leading to the greenhouse effect. Infectious diseases,
caused by various microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and parasites, can be
transmitted through humans, animals, insects, or other agents. Examples include cholera,
tuberculosis, yellow fever, typhoid fever, and malaria.

The rise in global temperatures is expected to elevate the risk of disease transmission across species.
Water and food-borne infectious diseases and vector-borne infectious diseases are the two main
categories forecasted to be most affected. As temperatures increase, many species will migrate,
carrying their parasites and pathogens to new environments, facilitating the sharing of diseases
between species.

This migration can result in "Zoonotic spillover," where pathogens are transmitted from wild
animals to humans. Such encounters are anticipated in tropical regions like South Africa and
Southeast Asia. Bats, known for harboring viruses, are predicted to play a significant role in these
virus-sharing events. The COVID-19 pandemic may have originated from the transmission of the
virus from bats to another animal and eventually to humans.

Scientists predict that over the next 50 years, at least 15,000 new cross-species viral transmissions
could occur. The current imperative is to enhance healthcare access globally, with a specific focus
on less privileged individuals in crowded areas, which can serve as hotspots for new infectious
diseases.
Q) Covid-19 pandemic has been beneficial to the environment in certain aspects, while also causing
significant environmental disruptions. Discuss about the environmental impact of Covid-19
pandemic. Your answer may include topics on Medical Waste and lockdown initiated economic
slowdowns

A) Covid-19, caused by the Sars-CoV-2 virus, emerged as a global pandemic in 2020, leading to
widespread shutdowns worldwide. Mask-wearing and staying indoors became the norm to curb the
disease's spread, resulting in nearly 69.6 million deaths and infecting over 772 million people.

The pandemic had mixed effects on the environment. Positive outcomes included reduced pollution
due to lockdowns, with clear skies allowing views of the Himalayas from homes in Punjab.
Decreased air and fossil fuel pollution resulted from fewer vehicles on the roads and grounded
aircraft.

Conversely, negative impacts included a surge in medical waste production, including PPE masks
and gloves. The need for single-use items for COVID-19 testing, such as swabs and plastic
containers, added to biomedical waste concerns.

The economic fallout was significant, with COVID-19-induced lockdowns halting the global
economy. Store closures, reduced travel, and industry slowdowns, especially in aviation, contrasted
with increased demand for technology services.

Layoffs and economic downturns, though on a smaller scale, affected many countries, even those
without strict lockdowns like Sweden.

In summary, while the COVID-19 outbreak had positive environmental effects, such as reduced
pollution, it also brought about serious economic repercussions, including industry downturns and
widespread job losses.