Sustainable Development Quiz

Which international agreement aims to combat climate change by limiting global warming?

• Paris Agreement

• Kyoto Protocol

• Montreal Protocol

Answer explanation

The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, is an international treaty that aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Which of the following are Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations?

• No Poverty

• Zero Hunger

• Affordable and Clean Energy

• Unlimited Economic Growth

• Climate Action

Answer explanation

The United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 to address global challenges such as poverty, hunger, clean energy, and climate action. Unlimited economic growth is not one of the SDGs.

What is 'biodiversity', and why is it important for ecosystems?

• The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, crucial for resilience and productivity

• The number of species that have gone extinct

• The amount of biomass in an ecosystem

• The genetic similarity between species

Answer explanation

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms within a given area, ecosystem, or the entire planet. It is vital for ecosystem resilience, providing services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. 

Which of the following are considered principles of sustainable development?

• Intergenerational equity

• Resource efficiency

• Social inclusion

• Unlimited resource extraction

• Economic isolationism

Answer explanation

Principles of sustainable development include intergenerational equity (fairness between generations), resource efficiency (using resources wisely and efficiently), and social inclusion (ensuring everyone benefits from development). Unlimited resource extraction and economic isolationism do not align with sustainability goals.

What is 'sustainable urban development'?

• Development that meets the needs of urban populations while minimizing environmental impact

• Rapid expansion of urban areas without regard for environmental consequences

• Focusing solely on building skyscrapers and infrastructure

• Developing cities exclusively for economic activities

Answer explanation

Sustainable urban development involves planning and developing urban areas in a way that balances economic, social, and environmental considerations, ensuring that cities remain livable and resilient for future generations.

Which of these actions contribute to reducing plastic waste?

• Using reusable bags

• Avoiding single-use plastics

• Recycling plastic materials

• Burning plastic waste

• Dumping plastics in landfills

Answer explanation

Reducing plastic waste can be achieved by using reusable bags, avoiding single-use plastics, and recycling. Burning plastic releases harmful toxins, and dumping in landfills contributes to pollution and environmental degradation.

What role does education play in sustainable development?

• It empowers individuals with knowledge and skills to promote sustainability

• It focuses solely on traditional academic subjects

• It discourages innovation and creativity

• It prioritizes economic growth over environmental concerns

Answer explanation

Education for sustainable development equips individuals with the understanding, skills, and values necessary to make informed decisions and take responsible actions for environmental integrity, economic viability, and a just society.

What is the purpose of the 'Agenda 21' document?

• To provide a comprehensive plan for global sustainable development

• To outline military strategies for the 21st century

• To establish trade agreements among nations

• To set guidelines for international tourism

Answer explanation

Agenda 21 is a non-binding action plan of the United Nations with regard to sustainable development. It was a product of the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992, aiming to achieve global sustainable development.

Which of the following are examples of sustainable transportation?

• Cycling

• Electric vehicles

• Public transit systems

• Gasoline-powered cars

• Diesel trucks

Answer explanation

Sustainable transportation options like cycling, electric vehicles, and public transit systems help reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to cleaner air and less congestion.

How does biodiversity loss affect ecosystem services?

• It reduces the resilience and functionality of ecosystems

• It has no significant impact on ecosystems

• It enhances the productivity of ecosystems

• It leads to an increase in species diversity

Answer explanation

Biodiversity loss can lead to the decline of ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation, reducing the resilience and functionality of ecosystems and making them more vulnerable to disturbances.