Climate Change — Set 2
Environment · जलवायु परिवर्तन · Questions 11–20 of 60
Which international protocol, signed in 1987, successfully phased out the use of ozone-depleting substances like CFCs?
Correct Answer: D. Montreal Protocol
The Montreal Protocol is considered the most successful environmental treaty for protecting the ozone layer. It regulates the production of chemicals that thin the ozone shield, which protects Earth from harmful UV radiation. The ozone layer is now slowly recovering as a result of this global cooperation.
The concept of 'Carbon Footprint' measures the total amount of which gas produced by human activities?
Correct Answer: A. Greenhouse Gases
A carbon footprint calculates the total greenhouse gas emissions, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent, caused by an individual or organization. It includes direct emissions from fuel use and indirect emissions from the consumption of goods. Reducing one's carbon footprint is a common goal for environmental sustainability.
Which greenhouse gas is released in large quantities from cattle and rice paddies?
Correct Answer: C. Methane
Methane (CH4) is produced during the digestive processes of livestock and the decomposition of organic matter in wetlands. While it stays in the atmosphere for a shorter time than CO2, it is much more effective at trapping heat. It is the second most abundant human-caused greenhouse gas.
The 'Albedo Effect' refers to the ability of a surface to?
Correct Answer: D. Reflect solar radiation
Albedo is a measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed. Ice and snow have high albedo, reflecting most sunlight back into space. As ice melts, darker ocean water absorbs more heat, creating a feedback loop that accelerates warming.
Which country is the largest cumulative emitter of carbon dioxide in historical terms since the industrial era?
Correct Answer: A. United States
The United States has released the highest total amount of CO2 since the mid-18th century. Historical emissions are important in climate negotiations regarding the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. While China is currently the largest annual emitter, cumulative data tells a different story.
What is the name of the process by which corals turn white due to thermal stress caused by rising sea temperatures?
Correct Answer: C. Coral Bleaching
Coral bleaching happens when corals expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues due to heat stress. Without the algae, the coral loses its primary food source and vibrant color. If high temperatures persist for too long, the coral colonies eventually die.
Which type of permafrost thaw releases both methane and carbon dioxide, significantly amplifying global warming?
Correct Answer: D. Arctic Permafrost Thaw
Arctic permafrost contains vast amounts of organic carbon trapped in frozen soil for thousands of years. As it thaws, microbes break down the organic matter, releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This creates a positive feedback loop that further intensifies the warming process.
The first 'Earth Summit' (UN Conference on Environment and Development) was held in 1992 in which city?
Correct Answer: A. Rio de Janeiro
The correct answer is 'Rio de Janeiro'. The Rio Earth Summit led to the creation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It was a landmark event that brought global attention to the conflict between economic development and environmental protection. It also produced the 'Agenda 21' action plan for sustainable development.
Which term describes the strategy of adjusting to actual or expected future climate changes to reduce harm?
Correct Answer: D. Adaptation
Adaptation involves making changes in social or economic systems to minimize the impacts of climate change. Examples include building sea walls, developing drought-resistant crops, and improving water management. It is a necessary complement to mitigation efforts, which focus on reducing emissions.
The 'Keeling Curve' is a famous graph that tracks the concentration of which gas in the atmosphere?
Correct Answer: A. Carbon Dioxide
The correct answer is 'Carbon Dioxide'. The Keeling Curve shows the steady increase in atmospheric CO2 levels measured at Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii since 1958. It clearly demonstrates the seasonal fluctuations and the long-term upward trend due to human activities. This data is fundamental evidence of the human impact on the global climate.