What If We Stopped Pretending?

According to the author, what has been the clear goal regarding climate change for the last thirty years?

• To limit the rise in global mean temperature to less than two degrees Celsius

• To reverse the trend of the past three decades

• To approach zero net emissions globally in the next three decades

• To prevent the radical destabilization of life on earth

What does the author suggest as an alternative to "hoping" we stop Climate Change?

• Accepting that disaster is coming and rethinking what it means to have hope

• Taking immediate action to reduce carbon emissions

• Focusing on individual actions to mitigate the effects of climate change

• Ignoring the scientific evidence and continuing with business as usual

What does the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (I.P.C.C.) suggest is necessary to limit the rise in global mean temperature?

• Maintaining the status quo

• Reducing carbon emissions to zero

• Developing more energy projects

• Ignoring climate change entirely

What does the author mean by the statement 'Climate apocalypse, by contrast, is messy.'?

• The effects of climate change will be instant and expected.

• The consequences of climate change will be chaotic and unpredictable.

• The solutions to climate change are complex and difficult to implement.

• The scientific understanding of climate change is still uncertain.

What is the estimated rise in global mean temperature that scientists now predict?

• At least two degrees Celsius

• Exactly two degrees Celsius

• Less than two degrees Celsius

• Potentially far higher than two degrees Celsius

What is the first condition that needs to be met to limit carbon emissions?

• Instituting strict conservation measures in major polluting countries

• Shutting down energy and transportation infrastructure globally

• Retooling the global economy

• Approaching zero net emissions globally

What does the author suggest as a solution to combat climate change and other environmental problems?

• Investing in high-speed trains and renewable energy mega-projects

• Implementing low-tech conservation actions and addressing solvable environmental problems

• Focusing on reducing carbon emissions as the top priority

• Preparing for the collapse of industrial agriculture and global trade

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

What does the author suggest as a more balanced portfolio of hopes?

• Work to help the planet but also take time to support the things you love locally

• Focusing on long-term solutions and accepting the reality of the planet's future

• Investing all resources in reducing carbon emissions and preparing for disaster

• Giving up on the planet entirely and focusing on personal well-being

What does the author suggest as a meaningful action in the face of a hotter future?

• Preparing for fires, floods, and refugees

• Supporting local farming and strong communities

• Combating extreme wealth inequality

• All of the above

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

What is the primary cause of the increase in global mean temperature?

• Deforestation

• Greenhouse gas emissions

• Ozone depletion

• Urbanization