Climate Change — Set 1
Environment · जलवायु परिवर्तन · Questions 1–10 of 60
Which atmospheric phenomenon is primarily responsible for keeping the Earth's surface warm enough to sustain life?
Correct Answer: A. Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect involves gases trapping heat in the atmosphere to maintain a habitable temperature. Gases like carbon dioxide and water vapor absorb infrared radiation emitted by the Earth. Without this natural process, the average temperature of Earth would be around -18 degrees Celsius.
Which international body was established in 1988 to provide scientific assessments on climate change?
Correct Answer: C. IPCC
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was created by the WMO and UNEP. It compiles the most comprehensive scientific data to inform governments about climate risks. The IPCC does not conduct its own research but reviews thousands of peer-reviewed papers.
The primary goal of the 2015 Paris Agreement is to limit global warming to well below how many degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels?
Correct Answer: C. 2.0°C
The Paris Agreement aims to keep the global temperature rise this century well below 2.0 degrees Celsius. It also encourages efforts to limit the increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius for better climate safety. This treaty is a legally binding international agreement on climate change.
Which gas is considered to have the highest 'Global Warming Potential' (GWP) among common greenhouse gases, despite being present in smaller quantities than CO2?
Correct Answer: C. Sulfur Hexafluoride
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) has a GWP that is about 23,500 times higher than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. It is primarily used as an electrical insulator in high-voltage equipment. Due to its stability, it can persist in the atmosphere for thousands of years.
What term is used for the long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth's climate system?
Correct Answer: A. Global Warming
Global warming refers to the observed scale of temperature increase since the late 19th century. It is largely driven by human activities like fossil fuel combustion and deforestation. This warming is a major aspect of broader climate change impacts.
Which sector is generally considered the largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions?
Correct Answer: C. Energy (Electricity & Heat)
The energy sector, particularly the burning of coal, oil, and gas for power, accounts for the majority of emissions. This includes emissions from electricity generation and heating in industrial processes. Transitioning to renewable energy is the most vital step in reducing global emissions.
The phenomenon where the ocean absorbs excess CO2 from the atmosphere, leading to a decrease in the pH of seawater, is called?
Correct Answer: D. Ocean Acidification
Ocean acidification occurs when CO2 reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid. This process makes it difficult for organisms like corals and shellfish to build their calcium carbonate shells. Since the Industrial Revolution, ocean acidity has increased by approximately 30 percent.
In the context of climate change, what does 'Net Zero' signify?
Correct Answer: C. Balancing emissions with removal
Net zero means that any greenhouse gas emissions released are balanced by an equal amount being removed from the atmosphere. This can be achieved through natural carbon sinks like forests or technological methods. Most countries aim to reach this target by 2050 to stabilize the climate.
Which of the following is a natural 'carbon sink' that helps mitigate climate change?
Correct Answer: A. Oceans
Oceans are the largest carbon sinks on Earth, absorbing about 25 percent of human-produced CO2. Forests and soil also play significant roles in sequestering carbon through biological processes. Protecting these natural systems is essential for managing the global carbon cycle.
What is the primary cause of 'Sea Level Rise' as a result of climate change?
Correct Answer: C. Thermal expansion and melting glaciers
As seawater warms, it expands in volume, which is a process known as thermal expansion. Additionally, the melting of ice sheets and mountain glaciers adds more water to the oceans. These two factors are responsible for the steady rise in global sea levels.