EXTRA CREDIT 8.12 Climate Change Quiz

Which of the following countries is most likely to experience water scarcity? (8.8)

• 
  Marshall Islands - small island nation

• 
  Saudi Arabia - arid region

• Nigeria - developing country

Answer explanation

Saudi Arabia is the most likely to experience water scarcity due to its arid climate, which results in limited freshwater resources. In contrast, the Marshall Islands and Nigeria have different environmental conditions that mitigate this risk.

In the future, what are small island nations projected to face as a result of rising sea levels and the increased frequency of extreme weather events? (8.8)

• 
  widespread social and economic problems

• 
  reduced flooding and infrastructure damage

• 
  decreased vulnerability due to improved infrastructure

Answer explanation

Small island nations are projected to face widespread social and economic problems due to rising sea levels and extreme weather events, which threaten their infrastructure, livelihoods, and overall stability.

Which of the following is a consequence of climate change in arid regions? (8.8)

• Shifts in precipitation patterns and increased water scarcity

• Reduced frequency of extreme weather events

• Increased vegetation and biodiversity

Answer explanation

In arid regions, climate change leads to shifts in precipitation patterns, resulting in increased water scarcity. This impacts ecosystems and human activities, making the correct choice 'Shifts in precipitation patterns and increased water scarcity'.

Which of the following is a consequence of desertification in arid regions? (8.8)

• 
  expansion of forests

• 
  decreased drought risks

• 
  threats to ecosystems and biodiversity

Answer explanation

Desertification leads to the degradation of land, resulting in threats to ecosystems and biodiversity. This process reduces habitat quality and species diversity, making it the correct consequence of desertification in arid regions.

Why is prioritizing China's pollution problem important for climate change mitigation? (8.9)

• China is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases.

• China has the lowest energy consumption globally.

• China’s renewable energy sector is fully developed.

Answer explanation

Prioritizing China's pollution problem is crucial because it is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Addressing its emissions is essential for effective climate change mitigation globally.

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the Montreal Protocol? (8.9)

• 
  to make the European Union carbon-neutral by 2050

• 
  to phase out substances harmful to the ozone layer

• 
  to provide a framework for global cooperation on climate-related issues

Answer explanation

The Montreal Protocol aims to phase out substances that deplete the ozone layer, making the second option the best description of its purpose. The other choices relate to carbon neutrality and climate cooperation, which are not its primary focus.

What is the Paris Agreement aiming to achieve? (8.9)

• Stop all cars from being made

• Stop using all fossil fuels by 2030

• Keep global temperatures from rising more than 2°C

Answer explanation

The Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, making it the correct choice. The other options do not reflect its goals.

Which of the following is NOT a strategy being used to mitigate global climate change? (8.9)

• 
  increased fossil fuel dependence

• 
  carbon capture systems

• electrical vehicles

Answer explanation

Increased fossil fuel dependence is NOT a strategy to mitigate climate change, as it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, carbon capture systems and electric vehicles aim to reduce emissions and promote sustainability.

Which of the following is an example of cherry-picked data? (8.10)

• A survey of public opinions on climate change conducted across a diverse range of demographics and locations.

• A study that includes data from multiple sources over several decades to show a clear trend in global temperatures.

• A report that highlights only one year of unusually high temperatures to argue that global warming is accelerating rapidly.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is the report that highlights only one year of unusually high temperatures. This is cherry-picked data because it selectively uses a single data point to support a broader claim about global warming.

Which of the following is the best way to ensure the formation of an informed opinion? (8.10)

• Focusing only on short-term data to draw conclusions about long-term trends.

• Seeking out diverse, fact-based sources and considering a variety of perspectives.

• Ignoring expert opinions and relying solely on personal experience.

Answer explanation

The best way to form an informed opinion is by seeking out diverse, fact-based sources and considering various perspectives. This approach ensures a well-rounded understanding, unlike focusing on short-term data or personal experience alone.