Climate Quest: Navigating the Global Warming Challenge (1)

Which 2 greenhouse gases contribute the MOST to global warming of Earth?

• CO_{2 ,}N₂O

• O_{3 ,} N₂O

• CO₂, CH₄

• CH_4,O₃

Answer explanation

In the EU in 2021, CO2 emissions made for about 80% of the total volume, with methane accounting for more than 12%.

Even though methane doesn't stay in the atmosphere as long as CO2 and it absorbs much more sun energy, is a dangerous air pollutant and its leaks can provoke explosion

Which layer of the atmosphere contains ozone (O3) that protects us from radiation?

• Troposphere

• Thermosphere

• Exosphere

• Stratosphere

Answer explanation

The ozone layer is a part of the stratosphere that is normally located between 15 and 35 kilometres above the earth. A greater concentration of ozone molecules characterises this ozone layer. It is extremely important for absorbing and dispersing a large amount of the sun's damaging ultraviolet (UV) energy.

Which of the following could increase the amount of greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere? (Multi Correct)

• Burning fossil fuels

• Modern Farming methods

• Walking to school and work

• Irresponsible consumption habits & improper waste management

Answer explanation

Certain agricultural practices, such as rice paddies and livestock farming, release methane, a dangerous greenhouse gas. Additionally, the use of synthetic fertilizers in agriculture can lead to nitrous oxide emissions.

Individual consumption patterns can indirectly contribute to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions and environmental damage. Examples include excessive energy use, the use of disposable goods, and frequent air travel.

Climate change can be caused by all of the following EXCEPT:

• Volcanic eruptions

• Changes in greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere

• El Niño

• Variations in Earth's orbit

Answer explanation

All the other are factors of climate change whether direct or indirect but
El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that occurs in the tropical Pacific Ocean. It is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the central and eastern parts of the Pacific, which can have far-reaching effects on weather and climate around the world.

What is the primary mechanism responsible for the rising sea levels due to global warming, and which regions are particularly vulnerable to its effects?

• Melting of polar ice caps; coastal areas with low elevation and densely populated cities.

• Expansion of ocean water due to increased temperatures; inland regions with high annual precipitation.

• Melting of glaciers; mountainous regions with active volcanic activity.

• Changes in ocean salinity; remote island nations in the Pacific.

Answer explanation

Option A correctly identifies the melting of polar ice caps as the primary mechanism and highlights the vulnerable regions that are at higher risk due to their low elevation and dense population, making it the correct answer. The other options (B, C, and D) do not accurately describe the primary mechanism responsible for rising sea levels or the regions vulnerable to its effects.

What are some potential strategies to mitigate climate change? Select all that apply.

• Carbon capture and storage (CCS)

• Reforestation

• Burning Fossil Fuels

• Transition to renewable energy sources

Answer explanation

CCS (Capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions to reduce their release into the atmosphere), Reforestation (Planting ofTrees & Restoring forests) and Transition to renewable energy sources are all measures to mitigate climate change

How much have sea levels risen in the past 100 years?

• 6-8 inches

• 2-3 inches

• 10-12 inches

• 4-5 inches

Answer explanation

Over the past 100 years, global temperatures have risen about 1 degree C (1.8 degrees F), with sea level response to that warming totalling about 160 to 210 mm (with about half of that amount occurring since 1993), or about 6 to 8 inches.

If you removed the atmosphere's natural greenhouse effect, and everything else stayed the same, Earth's temperature would be:

• 10 to 20°F (6 to 11°C) warmer

• 30 to 40°F (17 to 22°C) warmer

• 10 to 20°F (6 to 11°C) cooler

• 50 to 60°F (28 to 33°C) cooler

Answer explanation

50 to 60°F (28 to 33°C) cooler The greenhouse effect is a naturally occurring physical process that warms the Earth's surface with energy from the atmosphere. Without the effect, Earth's average surface temperature would be well below freezing as the earth wouldn't capture the heat the heat would escape into space.

Combined, how much mass are ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica losing annually?

• 10 Million Tons

• Negligible

• 180 Billion Tons

• More than 400 Billion Tons

Answer explanation

According to NASA, Greenland is currently losing 275 billion tonnes per year while Antarctica is currently losing 150 billion tonnes. According to research, the rate of ice loss in Greenland has increased by a factor of six since the 1980s, and a comparable acceleration is taking place in Antarctica.

The world-famous climate change conference called the Paris Accords, was signed by how many countries?

• 150

• 193

• 195

• 180

Answer explanation

Paris Accords, adopted in 2015, the agreement covers climate change mitigation, adaption and finance. It was negotiated by 196 parties at the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Out of them 195 parties ratified the only major emitter is Iran. The US withdrew in 2020 but rejoined in 2021.