ព្រះរាជាណាចព្ររម្ពុជា
ជាតិ សាសនា ព្រះម្ហារសព្ត
Scholarships Exam Answer Key
Academic Year: 2025-2026
Subject: Environmental Science
Grade: 10 Group: III
Duration: 110 minutes (Score: 100)
Note: - Students are not allowed to use any electronic devices during this exam.
- If any student is caught cheating, they will automatically get a ZERO.
1. (10 points) A government plans to clear 5,000 hectares of rainforest to build a hydroelectric dam that will provide
electricity to millions of people. Should the project proceed? Analyze the environmental, economic, and social trade-offs.
Propose a solution that minimizes negative impacts while meeting energy needs.
Answer: The project should proceed only if the environmental impacts can be significantly reduced. Hydroelectric dams
provide clean, renewable energy that can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support economic development. However,
clearing large areas of rainforest destroys habitats, reduces biodiversity, and releases stored carbon into the atmosphere. A
balanced solution would include choosing the least ecologically sensitive site, limiting forest clearance, creating wildlife
corridors, and compensating affected communities. Environmental impact assessments and long-term monitoring should
be mandatory before construction begins. This approach helps meet energy demands while protecting ecosystems and
local livelihoods.
2. (10 points) Developed countries have historically produced most greenhouse gas emissions, while many developing
countries experience the worst impacts of climate change. Should developed nations bear greater responsibility for climate
adaptation and mitigation? Justify your answer using environmental and ethical principles.
Answer: Developed nations should bear greater responsibility because they have contributed the majority of historical
greenhouse gas emissions since the Industrial Revolution. Many developing countries have emitted far less carbon but are
more vulnerable to rising sea levels, droughts, and extreme weather due to limited resources. Climate justice supports the
principle that those who caused the greatest harm should contribute more to the solution. Wealthier countries can provide
funding, technology, and expertise for adaptation and clean energy development. However, all nations should also work to
reduce emissions according to their capabilities. Shared responsibility with differentiated obligations is the fairest and
most effective approach.
3. (10 points) A protected national park is home to an endangered species, but nearby communities depend on logging for
income. Design a policy that protects biodiversity without causing severe economic hardship for local communities.
Explain why your solution is sustainable.
Answer: A sustainable policy should protect the endangered species while providing alternative income opportunities for
local communities. Governments could promote ecotourism, sustainable forestry, agroforestry, or payments for ecosystem
services to reduce dependence on logging. Local people should be involved in conservation planning so that their
knowledge and needs are respected. Strict protection of critical habitats should be combined with regulated resource use
ជាតិ សាសនា ព្រះម្ហារសព្ត
Scholarships Exam Answer Key
Academic Year: 2025-2026
Subject: Environmental Science
Grade: 10 Group: III
Duration: 110 minutes (Score: 100)
Note: - Students are not allowed to use any electronic devices during this exam.
- If any student is caught cheating, they will automatically get a ZERO.
1. (10 points) A government plans to clear 5,000 hectares of rainforest to build a hydroelectric dam that will provide
electricity to millions of people. Should the project proceed? Analyze the environmental, economic, and social trade-offs.
Propose a solution that minimizes negative impacts while meeting energy needs.
Answer: The project should proceed only if the environmental impacts can be significantly reduced. Hydroelectric dams
provide clean, renewable energy that can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support economic development. However,
clearing large areas of rainforest destroys habitats, reduces biodiversity, and releases stored carbon into the atmosphere. A
balanced solution would include choosing the least ecologically sensitive site, limiting forest clearance, creating wildlife
corridors, and compensating affected communities. Environmental impact assessments and long-term monitoring should
be mandatory before construction begins. This approach helps meet energy demands while protecting ecosystems and
local livelihoods.
2. (10 points) Developed countries have historically produced most greenhouse gas emissions, while many developing
countries experience the worst impacts of climate change. Should developed nations bear greater responsibility for climate
adaptation and mitigation? Justify your answer using environmental and ethical principles.
Answer: Developed nations should bear greater responsibility because they have contributed the majority of historical
greenhouse gas emissions since the Industrial Revolution. Many developing countries have emitted far less carbon but are
more vulnerable to rising sea levels, droughts, and extreme weather due to limited resources. Climate justice supports the
principle that those who caused the greatest harm should contribute more to the solution. Wealthier countries can provide
funding, technology, and expertise for adaptation and clean energy development. However, all nations should also work to
reduce emissions according to their capabilities. Shared responsibility with differentiated obligations is the fairest and
most effective approach.
3. (10 points) A protected national park is home to an endangered species, but nearby communities depend on logging for
income. Design a policy that protects biodiversity without causing severe economic hardship for local communities.
Explain why your solution is sustainable.
Answer: A sustainable policy should protect the endangered species while providing alternative income opportunities for
local communities. Governments could promote ecotourism, sustainable forestry, agroforestry, or payments for ecosystem
services to reduce dependence on logging. Local people should be involved in conservation planning so that their
knowledge and needs are respected. Strict protection of critical habitats should be combined with regulated resource use
