Social Science Section 4 Part 1

What do scientists typically do at conferences?

• Play sports

• Discuss recent advances in research

• Watch movies

• Conduct experiments

Answer explanation

At conferences, scientists typically discuss recent advances in research to share knowledge, collaborate, and stay updated on developments in their fields, making this the correct choice.

In which year was the WCRP established?

• 1980

• 1990

• 2000

• 2010

Answer explanation

The World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) was established in 1980 to coordinate international research efforts in climate science. Therefore, the correct answer is 1980.

What was a key contributor to our understanding of climate in the 1950s?

• International Council for Science (ICSU)

• NASA

• United Nations

• World Health Organization

Answer explanation

The International Council for Science (ICSU) played a crucial role in advancing climate research in the 1950s by promoting international collaboration and scientific understanding of environmental issues.

Where did Charles David Keeling conduct his CO₂ measurements?

• Mauna Loa, Hawaii

• Mount Everest, Nepal

• Rocky Mountains, USA

• Andes Mountains, South America

Answer explanation

Charles David Keeling conducted his CO₂ measurements at Mauna Loa, Hawaii, which is known for its clean air and high elevation, making it an ideal location for atmospheric research.

What was the IGY year selected to correspond with?

• A high point in the eleven-year cycle of sunspot activity

• A lunar eclipse

• A solar eclipse

• A meteor shower

Answer explanation

The IGY (International Geophysical Year) was chosen to coincide with a peak in the eleven-year sunspot cycle, which was significant for solar and atmospheric studies, making the first answer the correct choice.

What is the main focus of the WCRP?

• Climate science for society

• Space exploration

• Marine biology

• Nuclear physics

Answer explanation

The WCRP (World Climate Research Programme) primarily focuses on advancing climate science to benefit society, making 'Climate science for society' the correct answer. The other options are unrelated fields.

What was a major outcome of the 1985 conference organized by ICSU, WMO, and UNEP?

• Discovery of a new planet

• Agreement on the impact of greenhouse gas emissions

• Development of a new vaccine

• Launch of a new satellite

Answer explanation

The 1985 conference organized by ICSU, WMO, and UNEP resulted in a significant agreement on the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the growing concern over climate change and its global effects.

What did the IGBP help scientists understand better?

• The structure of the human brain

• The interaction of Earth's systems

• The behavior of distant galaxies

• The history of ancient civilizations

Answer explanation

The IGBP (International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme) focused on understanding the interaction of Earth's systems, including climate, ecosystems, and human impacts, making this the correct choice.

Which U.S. President considered taking action to mitigate climate change but faced opposition?

• Ronald Reagan

• George H. W. Bush

• Bill Clinton

• Barack Obama

Answer explanation

George H. W. Bush acknowledged climate change and supported the Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992, but faced significant opposition from various political and industrial groups, limiting his actions.

What was the United States Senate's decision regarding the Kyoto Protocol in 1997?

• To fully support and sign the protocol

• To not be a signatory to any protocol

• To partially agree with the protocol

• To delay the decision until 2000

Answer explanation

In 1997, the United States Senate voted overwhelmingly against the Kyoto Protocol, indicating a decision to not be a signatory to any protocol that would impose binding emissions reductions on the country.