Correct Answer: All three

Explanation:

1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion:
   Correct. Green hydrogen can be used as a fuel in internal combustion engines (ICEs) with modifications. Hydrogen combusts cleanly, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct, making it a potential alternative to traditional fuels.
2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation:
   Correct. Green hydrogen can be blended with natural gas and used in existing gas pipelines to generate heat or power. This helps reduce carbon emissions and makes use of existing infrastructure.
3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles:
   Correct. Hydrogen fuel cells convert green hydrogen into electricity, which can power vehicles. This is already being implemented in hydrogen-powered vehicles, which emit only water vapor.

Thus, all three statements are correct.

Importance of Ocean Biodiversity

1. Regulation of Climate: Marine organisms like phytoplankton produce over 50% of the Earth’s oxygen and absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide, helping regulate the planet’s climate.

2. Food Security: Oceans provide a primary food source for billions of people worldwide. Marine biodiversity ensures the stability of fish populations and other seafood critical for human consumption.

3. Ecosystem Services: Coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds protect coastlines from erosion and storms while supporting diverse marine life.

4. Medicine and Resources: Many medicines, including antibiotics and anticancer drugs, are derived from marine organisms. A healthy ocean offers untapped potential for future discoveries.

Consequences of Disrupting Marine Ecosystems

1. Climate Imbalance: Destruction of ocean biodiversity disrupts the carbon cycle, leading to increased atmospheric CO2 and accelerating global warming.

2. Loss of Species: Overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution lead to the extinction of marine species, causing a ripple effect throughout the food web.

3. Economic Impact: Coastal communities reliant on fishing and tourism suffer significant economic losses when marine ecosystems degrade.

4. Threat to Human Health: Harmful algal blooms, exacerbated by nutrient runoff and warming waters, can contaminate seafood and water supplies, posing health risks.

How to Protect Ocean Biodiversity

Marine Protected Areas: Expanding and effectively managing marine reserves safeguards biodiversity.

Sustainable Practices: Reducing overfishing, curbing pollution, and adopting sustainable seafood choices are crucial.

Global Collaboration: International efforts like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 14 aim to conserve and sustainably use ocean resources.

The ocean’s biodiversity is indispensable for maintaining Earth’s climate, providing resources, and sustaining life. Disrupting marine ecosystems not only harms the ocean but also poses severe challenges to global health, economy, and survival. Preserving marine biodiversity is not just an environmental priority but a necessity for humanity’s future.

Statement 1 is accurate: Carbon markets, once considered ineffective, have finally emerged as one of the most prominent mechanisms in the battle against climate change. By the end of 2021, over 21% of global emissions were subject to some form of carbon pricing, an increase from 15% in 2020. More and more businesses are required to compensate regulators for the privilege of emitting a ton of carbon dioxide. Investor interest is also rising, as trading volumes in these markets surged by 164% last year, reaching €760 billion ($897 billion).

Statement 2 is also accurate. Carbon markets play a crucial role in mobilizing financial resources and minimizing costs, thereby providing countries and corporations the flexibility to transition to low-carbon economies. It is projected that carbon credit trading could lower the expense of fulfilling Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by over 50%—potentially saving as much as $250 billion by 2030. In the long run, however, carbon markets may become obsolete as countries achieve net-zero emissions, reducing the necessity for emission trading.

Therefore, the correct answer is Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

1. Lion-tailed Macaque: This species is primarily diurnal, meaning it is active during the day and rests at night. They are known for their distinctive mane and tail tuft, and they inhabit the rainforests of the Western Ghats in India.
2. Malabar Civet: The Malabar Civet is generally nocturnal. It is most active during the night and is rarely seen during the day. It is a critically endangered species native to the Western Ghats and nearby regions.
3. Sambar Deer: The Sambar Deer is largely nocturnal or crepuscular (active during twilight). It tends to be most active during the early morning and late evening but can also be seen foraging at night.

Given this information, two of the listed fauna (Malabar Civet and Sambar Deer) are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset. Therefore, the correct answer is: Only two.