Climate Change — Set 3
Environment · जलवायु परिवर्तन · Questions 21–30 of 60
Which international agreement was the first to set legally binding targets for developed countries to reduce emissions?
Correct Answer: D. Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, mandated that industrialized nations reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. It introduced market-based mechanisms like carbon trading to help countries meet their targets. However, it did not set similar obligations for developing nations like India and China.
What is 'Carbon Sequestration'?
Correct Answer: A. Capturing and storing CO2
The correct answer is 'Capturing and storing CO2'. Carbon sequestration is the long-term storage of carbon dioxide to prevent it from entering the atmosphere. This can be done naturally by plants and oceans or artificially using carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. It is a key tool for achieving net-zero emission targets.
Which greenhouse gas has a significant natural source in lightning strikes and microbial activity in soil?
Correct Answer: D. Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) is released from soil through natural nitrogen cycles and the use of synthetic fertilizers. It is about 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas. It also contributes to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer.
The 'Kigali Amendment' is an update to which international treaty aiming to reduce hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)?
Correct Answer: A. Montreal Protocol
The correct answer is 'Montreal Protocol'. The Kigali Amendment was adopted in 2016 to phase out HFCs, which were used as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances. While HFCs do not harm the ozone layer, they are powerful greenhouse gases. This amendment could prevent up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of warming by the end of the century.
What is the primary indicator of the 'Urban Heat Island' effect?
Correct Answer: D. Cities being warmer than rural areas
Urban Heat Islands occur because materials like asphalt and concrete absorb more solar heat than natural landscapes. The lack of vegetation and the heat generated by vehicles and buildings also contribute to the temperature difference. This effect worsens the impact of heatwaves on urban populations.
Which phenomenon causes a periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean?
Correct Answer: A. El Niño
El Niño is a natural climate pattern that can cause significant weather disruptions globally. It is associated with increased rainfall in some regions and severe droughts in others. Climate change may be altering the frequency and intensity of El Niño events.
The 'Green Climate Fund' (GCF) was established to assist which group of countries in responding to climate change?
Correct Answer: D. Developing Countries
The GCF was created by the UNFCCC to help vulnerable nations with climate mitigation and adaptation projects. It serves as a mechanism to transfer financial resources from developed to developing countries. The fund is headquartered in Incheon, South Korea.
What term refers to the tipping point where a climate system shifts into a completely new state?
Correct Answer: A. Climate Tipping Point
A tipping point is a threshold that, when crossed, leads to large and often irreversible changes in the climate. Examples include the collapse of major ice sheets or the dieback of the Amazon rainforest. Scientific concern is growing that several tipping points may be reached soon.
Which gas is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the Earth's atmosphere by volume?
Correct Answer: D. Water Vapor
Water vapor is the most prevalent greenhouse gas and is responsible for the majority of the natural greenhouse effect. However, its concentration depends on the temperature of the atmosphere rather than direct human activity. As the planet warms, more water evaporates, creating a potent feedback loop.
The 'Common But Differentiated Responsibilities' (CBDR) principle is a key part of which framework?
Correct Answer: A. UNFCCC
The correct answer is 'UNFCCC'. CBDR recognizes that while all nations are responsible for addressing climate change, developed countries should take the lead. This is because they have historically contributed more to the current accumulation of gases. This principle is central to global climate justice and negotiations.