Test Your Environmental Knowledge

What is the greenhouse effect?

• The greenhouse effect refers to the increase in Earth's surface temperature due to volcanic activity.

• The greenhouse effect is the cooling of Earth's surface due to the reflection of sunlight.

• The greenhouse effect is caused by the depletion of ozone in the stratosphere.

• The greenhouse effect is the warming of Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Identify three major greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

• carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide

• hydrogen

• argon

• oxygen

Answer explanation

The three major greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming, unlike hydrogen, argon, and oxygen, which are not significant greenhouse gases.

What is the primary cause of climate change?

• Increased solar activity

• Increase in greenhouse gases due to human activities.

• Natural fluctuations in the Earth's climate

• Deforestation without any human impact

Answer explanation

The primary cause of climate change is the increase in greenhouse gases due to human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, which trap heat in the atmosphere and lead to global warming.

How does deforestation impact biodiversity?

• Deforestation increases biodiversity by creating new habitats.

• Deforestation has no effect on biodiversity.

• Deforestation improves ecosystem stability and health.

• Deforestation negatively impacts biodiversity by causing habitat loss, population declines, and ecosystem disruption.

Answer explanation

Deforestation leads to habitat loss, which threatens species survival, causes population declines, and disrupts ecosystems. This negatively impacts biodiversity, making the correct choice clear.

What are renewable energy sources?

• Electricity generated from batteries

• Nuclear, coal, and natural gas

• Only fossil fuels

• Renewable energy sources include solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass.

Answer explanation

Renewable energy sources are those that can be replenished naturally. This includes solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass, which are sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources.

Riyaan wants to understand the concept of carbon footprint.

• A carbon footprint is the amount of water used by a person in a year.

• A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, organization, or product, expressed in CO2 equivalents.

• A carbon footprint refers to the number of trees planted by an organization.

• A carbon footprint measures the total weight of an individual in kilograms.

Answer explanation

A carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gases emitted, including CO2 equivalents, by individuals, organizations, or products. This definition highlights the environmental impact of activities, making the correct choice clear.

What is the significance of the Paris Agreement?

• Focuses solely on economic growth.

• Promotes fossil fuel usage.

• Is a trade agreement between countries.

• Aims to limit global warming and enhance international cooperation on climate change.

Answer explanation

The Paris Agreement is significant as it aims to limit global warming and enhance international cooperation on climate change, contrasting with options that focus on economic growth or fossil fuel usage.

How does plastic pollution affect marine life?

• Plastic pollution harms marine life by causing ingestion, entanglement, and habitat disruption.

• Plastic pollution improves marine habitats.

• Marine life thrives on plastic materials.

• Plastic pollution has no impact on marine ecosystems.

Answer explanation

Plastic pollution harms marine life by causing ingestion of plastic particles, entanglement in debris, and disruption of habitats, leading to severe ecological consequences.

What role do trees play in the environment?

• Trees produce food for animals.

• Trees serve as a source of wood.

• Trees produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, support biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, and regulate water cycles.

• Trees have no impact on climate change.

Answer explanation

Trees are vital for the environment as they produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, support biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, and regulate water cycles, making them essential for ecological balance.

What is sustainable development?

• Sustainable development is about maximizing resource consumption.

• Sustainable development focuses solely on economic growth.

• Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.

• Sustainable development ignores environmental concerns.

Answer explanation

Sustainable development is defined as meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs. This choice emphasizes a balance between economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection.