Climate Change — Set 6

Correct Answer: C. Nitrogen

Nitrogen makes up 78% of our atmosphere but does not trap heat like greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases like CO2 and Methane are much less abundant but have a massive impact on temperature. Oxygen is also not a greenhouse gas.

Correct Answer: B. Total greenhouse gases caused by an entity

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activities. It is usually measured in tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. Individuals and companies calculate it to understand their impact on the climate.

Correct Answer: B. To block ultraviolet radiation

The ozone layer protects life on Earth by absorbing most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Thinning of this layer can lead to health issues like skin cancer and cataracts. It is located in the stratosphere, above the layer where weather occurs.

Correct Answer: C. Arctic/Antarctica

The polar regions, particularly the Arctic, are experiencing warming at twice the global rate. This phenomenon is known as polar amplification. The rapid melting of ice in these areas has global consequences for sea levels and weather patterns.

Correct Answer: B. Rio Earth Summit

The 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro was a major breakthrough for international environmental law. It established the UNFCCC as the primary framework for global climate negotiations. This summit also produced the landmark 'Agenda 21' for sustainable development.

Correct Answer: B. Its reflectivity of sunlight

The correct answer is 'Its reflectivity of sunlight'. Albedo is the fraction of solar energy reflected from the Earth back into space. White surfaces like snow and ice have high albedo, while dark surfaces like oceans have low albedo. As ice melts, the Earth's overall albedo decreases, causing more heat absorption.

Correct Answer: B. More frequent and intense heatwaves

Global warming disrupts the climate, leading to more extreme weather events. Heatwaves are becoming more common, longer-lasting, and more dangerous. This also affects agriculture and increases the risk of wildfires.

Correct Answer: C. Industrialized countries

The Kyoto Protocol, signed in 1997, required developed nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. It was based on the fact that these nations were historically responsible for most emissions. Unlike the Paris Agreement, it did not set targets for developing countries.

Correct Answer: B. Climate Tipping Point

A climate tipping point is a threshold that, when crossed, can lead to a large change in the state of the system. For example, the total collapse of the West Antarctic ice sheet is a potential tipping point. Scientists worry that these changes could happen suddenly and cannot be undone.

Correct Answer: B. Agricultural fertilizers

The use of synthetic and organic fertilizers in agriculture is the largest human source of nitrous oxide. It is nearly 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat. It also plays a role in the depletion of the ozone layer.