Climate Change — Set 4
Environment · जलवायु परिवर्तन · Questions 31–40 of 60
Which type of solar radiation is trapped by greenhouse gases to warm the Earth?
Correct Answer: D. Infrared
Greenhouse gases allow short-wave solar light to enter the atmosphere but trap the outgoing long-wave infrared heat. This process is similar to how a greenhouse works to keep plants warm. This heat trapping is what causes the rise in global surface temperatures.
Which major volcanic eruption in 1991 caused a temporary global cooling effect by injecting sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere?
Correct Answer: A. Mount Pinatubo
Mount Pinatubo's eruption in the Philippines released a massive cloud of ash and gases that reflected sunlight. This led to a drop in global temperatures by about 0.5 degrees Celsius for a year. This event helped scientists understand how aerosols can influence the climate.
What does 'LULUCF' stand for in the context of international climate reporting?
Correct Answer: A. Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry
LULUCF tracks the emissions and removals of greenhouse gases resulting from human activities on land. This includes deforestation, afforestation, and the management of grazing lands. It is a critical sector for achieving net-zero targets through nature-based solutions.
The 'Carbon Credit' system allows entities to trade what type of permission?
Correct Answer: D. Permission to emit greenhouse gases
One carbon credit usually represents the right to emit one metric ton of carbon dioxide. Companies that reduce their emissions can sell their excess credits to those that exceed their limits. This market-based approach aims to provide financial incentives for emission reduction.
Which greenhouse gas is primarily produced by the anaerobic decomposition of waste in landfills?
Correct Answer: A. Methane
Landfills are a major source of methane as organic waste breaks down without oxygen. Capturing this gas can prevent it from entering the atmosphere and it can be used as a fuel source. This is a common strategy in modern sustainable waste management.
What is the primary source of 'Black Carbon', a short-lived climate pollutant?
Correct Answer: D. Incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels
The correct answer is 'Incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels'. Black carbon is a component of fine particulate matter (soot) formed by burning wood, dung, and diesel. It warms the climate by absorbing solar energy and reducing the albedo of snow when it settles on ice. It also has severe impacts on human respiratory health.
The 'Kyoto Protocol' categorizes greenhouse gases into how many main types for regulation?
Correct Answer: A. Six
The protocol originally targeted six gases: CO2, Methane, Nitrous Oxide, HFCs, PFCs, and Sulfur Hexafluoride. Nitrogen Trifluoride was later added during the second commitment period. These are the primary focus of international emission reduction efforts.
Which indicator is most commonly used to measure the acidity of the ocean?
Correct Answer: D. pH scale
The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a liquid is, with lower values indicating higher acidity. As CO2 levels in the atmosphere rise, more is absorbed by the ocean, lowering its pH. This shift has profound negative effects on marine biodiversity and food webs.
What is the term for the total amount of carbon dioxide that can be emitted while still having a chance of limiting warming to a specific target?
Correct Answer: D. Carbon Budget
The carbon budget is the estimated maximum amount of cumulative CO2 emissions allowed to keep global warming below a certain level, like 1.5°C. It serves as a roadmap for how quickly the world needs to reach net-zero emissions. As of now, a large portion of this budget has already been exhausted.
The 'Climate Vulnerable Forum' (CVF) represents countries that are?
Correct Answer: B. Highly threatened by climate change
The CVF is an international partnership of countries that are disproportionately affected by the consequences of global warming. Members include many small island nations and low-lying coastal states. They advocate for more ambitious global climate action to ensure their survival.