Question 1

Distinguish between the terms weather and climate, and briefly discuss how each affects species distribution within ecosystems.

Accepted Answer

Weather describes short-term atmospheric

Question 2

Briefly explain why water vapor may either contribute to or slow global warming.

Accepted Answer

If temperatures continue to rise, the oc

Question 3

Read the following scenario and answer the question below.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports that physical, biological, and economic evidence exists confirming global climate change due to human -produced greenhouse gases. Although the United States emits most of Earthʹs carbon dioxide, its policies do not reflect concern over its environmental effects. The United States failed to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement signed by other developed nations to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Requested voluntary reductions of carbon dioxide emissions have not been effective in reducing greenhouse gases. Revisions to the 1970 Clean Air Act, called the ʺClear Skies Initiative,ʺ were proposed to limit mercury, nitric oxides, and sulfur oxide emissions from power plants. Nicknamed by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., as the ʺClear Lies Initiative,ʺ this proposal did not specifically address emission of carbon dioxide, and its loopholes precluded older power plants from modernizing, seemingly supporting polluting industries with political influence. Environmentalists are arguing for immediate action, including stricter laws to limit power plant carbon dioxide emissions and provide subsidies for renewable energy. They favor ʺportfolio standards,ʺ requiring electric companies to provide clean energy alternatives to consumers and ʺgreen tags,ʺ
ʺwind certificates,ʺ and ʺgreen pricingʺ to support the use of alternative fuels.
-Why do environmentalists and scientists advocate immediate action, including stricter laws to limit power plant carbon dioxide emissions and subsidies for renewable energy?

Accepted Answer

A)  These industries export goods to all other nations on Earth. 
B)  These industries produce the most greenhouse gases. 
C)  Power companies do not have labor unions that oppose legal restrictions. 
D)  No laws currently exist to regulate these industries. 
E)  Environmentalists do not want to anger farmers, even though agriculture produces the most carbon dioxide. 
A)  These industries export goods to all other nations on Earth. 
B)  These industries produce the most greenhouse gases. 
C)  Power companies do not have labor unions that oppose legal restrictions. 
D)  No laws currently exist to regulate these industries. 
E)  Environmentalists do not want to anger farmers, even though agriculture produces the most carbon dioxide.

Question 4

Describe how freshwater ecosystems face challenges of global climate change. Give an example from the text.

Accepted Answer

In regions where climate change increase

Question 5

Read the following scenario and answer the question below.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports that physical, biological, and economic evidence exists confirming global climate change due to human -produced greenhouse gases. Although the United States emits most of Earthʹs carbon dioxide, its policies do not reflect concern over its environmental effects. The United States failed to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement signed by other developed nations to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Requested voluntary reductions of carbon dioxide emissions have not been effective in reducing greenhouse gases. Revisions to the 1970 Clean Air Act, called the ʺClear Skies Initiative,ʺ were proposed to limit mercury, nitric oxides, and sulfur oxide emissions from power plants. Nicknamed by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., as the ʺClear Lies Initiative,ʺ this proposal did not specifically address emission of carbon dioxide, and its loopholes precluded older power plants from modernizing, seemingly supporting polluting industries with political influence. Environmentalists are arguing for immediate action, including stricter laws to limit power plant carbon dioxide emissions and provide subsidies for renewable energy. They favor ʺportfolio standards,ʺ requiring electric companies to provide clean energy alternatives to consumers and ʺgreen tags,ʺ
ʺwind certificates,ʺ and ʺgreen pricingʺ to support the use of alternative fuels.
-Environmentalists advocate immediate intervention regarding global climate change because ______________.

Accepted Answer

A)  most are heavily invested in fossil fuel industries 
B)  they favor anthropocentric ethical principles 
C)  most live in areas most affected by global climate change 
D)  they favor the precautionary principle 
E)  they are concerned about the global economic losses sustained due to global climate change 
A)  most are heavily invested in fossil fuel industries 
B)  they favor anthropocentric ethical principles 
C)  most live in areas most affected by global climate change 
D)  they favor the precautionary principle 
E)  they are concerned about the global economic losses sustained due to global climate change

Question 6

Keelingʹs reports from Mauna Loa demonstrated ______________.

Accepted Answer

A)  that as distances from cities decreased, CO2 concentrations increased 
B)  the presence of El Niño 
C)  an increase in tropospheric CO2 from the 1950s to present 
D)  that sediments deposited on the seafloor can yield clues about past climates 
E)  that CO2 levels have been stable over the last 40 years 
A)  that as distances from cities decreased, CO2 concentrations increased 
B)  the presence of El Niño 
C)  an increase in tropospheric CO2 from the 1950s to present 
D)  that sediments deposited on the seafloor can yield clues about past climates 
E)  that CO2 levels have been stable over the last 40 years

Question 7

Over ______________ % of the fuel you pump into your automobile does something other than move your vehicle down the road.

Accepted Answer

A)  25 
B)  65 
C)  55 
D)  85 
E)  45 
A)  25 
B)  65 
C)  55 
D)  85 
E)  45

Question 8

Use the figure above to answer the following question.
-The temperature change over most of Asia is predicted to be _________________ °C.

Accepted Answer

A)  2.5-3.5 
B)  0.5-1.5 
C)  1.5-2.5 
D)  3.5-4.5 
E)  4.5-5.5 
A)  2.5-3.5 
B)  0.5-1.5 
C)  1.5-2.5 
D)  3.5-4.5 
E)  4.5-5.5

Question 9

Choose the item that best matches each item in the following:
-Produced by microbes decomposing matter in landfills and as a metabolic byproduct of livestock

Accepted Answer

A) hydrogen 
B) carbon monoxide 
C) water vapor 
D) nitrous oxide 
E) methane
F)sulfate aerosol
G)ozone
H)argon
I)carbon dioxide
J)ammonia 
A) hydrogen 
B) carbon monoxide 
C) water vapor 
D) nitrous oxide 
E) methane
F)sulfate aerosol
G)ozone
H)argon
I)carbon dioxide
J)ammonia

Question 10

Recent research indicates that the variation in solar output ______________.

Accepted Answer

A)  is greater than all the anthropogenic factors affecting climate change 
B)  will increase by a hundredfold over then next century 
C)  is less than any of the anthropogenic factors affecting climate change 
D)  is the major factor driving temperature change 
E)  is more than 20 watts/m2 
A)  is greater than all the anthropogenic factors affecting climate change 
B)  will increase by a hundredfold over then next century 
C)  is less than any of the anthropogenic factors affecting climate change 
D)  is the major factor driving temperature change 
E)  is more than 20 watts/m2

Question 11

How can scientists learn about climatic history?

Accepted Answer

Scientists can directly measure gases kn

Question 12

In legislation, the precautionary principle applied to climate change states that ______________.

Accepted Answer

A)  all alternative sources of energy should be evaluated by the scientific community before marketing 
B)  permit trading should be undertaken with caution 
C)  lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used to postpone measures to prevent major environmental degradation 
D)  caution should be used in handling hazardous wastes 
E)  alterations to legislation must be done in a way that maximizes environmental protection at the urging of scientists without recourse from the voting public 
A)  all alternative sources of energy should be evaluated by the scientific community before marketing 
B)  permit trading should be undertaken with caution 
C)  lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used to postpone measures to prevent major environmental degradation 
D)  caution should be used in handling hazardous wastes 
E)  alterations to legislation must be done in a way that maximizes environmental protection at the urging of scientists without recourse from the voting public

Question 13

Milankovitch cycles ______________.

Accepted Answer

A)  describe the timing of the northern lights in the thermosphere 
B)  describe upwelling and downwelling in the ocean 
C)  are changes in Earthʹs rotation and orbit around the sun that may trigger climate variation 
D)  refer to shifts in the temperature of surface water in the middle latitudes of the Pacific Ocean 
E)  describe the transpiration, evaporation, and precipitation of Earthʹs water 
A)  describe the timing of the northern lights in the thermosphere 
B)  describe upwelling and downwelling in the ocean 
C)  are changes in Earthʹs rotation and orbit around the sun that may trigger climate variation 
D)  refer to shifts in the temperature of surface water in the middle latitudes of the Pacific Ocean 
E)  describe the transpiration, evaporation, and precipitation of Earthʹs water

Question 14

How certain are scientists that humans are causing global climate change? Describe the language used by scientists and some of the particular climate trends they have identified as changing. If the scientific community is convinced of the evidence, why is there still debate?

Accepted Answer

Nearly all environmental scientists agre

Question 15

The use of public transportation is ______________.

Accepted Answer

A)  higher in the United States compared to Europe 
B)  more expensive than driving a car 
C)  one of the best options for decreasing the use of fossil fuels for transportation 
D)  increasing rapidly in the face of concerns over climate change 
E)  subsidized by the U.S. government 
A)  higher in the United States compared to Europe 
B)  more expensive than driving a car 
C)  one of the best options for decreasing the use of fossil fuels for transportation 
D)  increasing rapidly in the face of concerns over climate change 
E)  subsidized by the U.S. government

Question 16

Earthʹs climate ______________.

Accepted Answer

A)  will stabilize over the next century, according to the predictions of most scientists 
B)  has been stable over the history of the planet 
C)  has changed only once due to the evolution of green photosynthesizing plants 
D)  history is undeterminable because there is no method of studying climatic history of the planet 
E)  is changing as a result of natural and human processes 
A)  will stabilize over the next century, according to the predictions of most scientists 
B)  has been stable over the history of the planet 
C)  has changed only once due to the evolution of green photosynthesizing plants 
D)  history is undeterminable because there is no method of studying climatic history of the planet 
E)  is changing as a result of natural and human processes

Question 17

Explain how human health may suffer or benefit from global climate change.

Accepted Answer

People may face increased likelihood of

Question 18

The oceans hold ______________ carbon than the atmosphere.

Accepted Answer

A)  10,000 times less 
B)  1000 times less 
C)  10,000 times more 
D)  5 times more 
E)  50 times more 
A)  10,000 times less 
B)  1000 times less 
C)  10,000 times more 
D)  5 times more 
E)  50 times more

Question 19

Use the figure above to answer the following question.
-Compared to Antarctica, the percent increase in temperature in the Arctic will be ________________

Accepted Answer

A)  the same 
B)  10 times less 
C)  10 times greater 
D)  less 
E)  greater 
A)  the same 
B)  10 times less 
C)  10 times greater 
D)  less 
E)  greater

Question 20

Read the following scenario and answer the question below.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports that physical, biological, and economic evidence exists confirming global climate change due to human -produced greenhouse gases. Although the United States emits most of Earthʹs carbon dioxide, its policies do not reflect concern over its environmental effects. The United States failed to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement signed by other developed nations to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Requested voluntary reductions of carbon dioxide emissions have not been effective in reducing greenhouse gases. Revisions to the 1970 Clean Air Act, called the ʺClear Skies Initiative,ʺ were proposed to limit mercury, nitric oxides, and sulfur oxide emissions from power plants. Nicknamed by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., as the ʺClear Lies Initiative,ʺ this proposal did not specifically address emission of carbon dioxide, and its loopholes precluded older power plants from modernizing, seemingly supporting polluting industries with political influence. Environmentalists are arguing for immediate action, including stricter laws to limit power plant carbon dioxide emissions and provide subsidies for renewable energy. They favor ʺportfolio standards,ʺ requiring electric companies to provide clean energy alternatives to consumers and ʺgreen tags,ʺ
ʺwind certificates,ʺ and ʺgreen pricingʺ to support the use of alternative fuels.
-The Clear Skies Initiative may have helped somewhat with the problem of global climate change because it would have ______________.

Accepted Answer

A)  prohibited importation of goods from nations that pollute 
B)  provided subsidies for renewable energy 
C)  permitted the purchase of ʺwind certificatesʺ 
D)  required reduced nitrogen oxide emissions 
E)  required reduced carbon dioxide emissions 
A)  prohibited importation of goods from nations that pollute 
B)  provided subsidies for renewable energy 
C)  permitted the purchase of ʺwind certificatesʺ 
D)  required reduced nitrogen oxide emissions 
E)  required reduced carbon dioxide emissions

Distinguish between the terms weather and climate, and briefly discuss how each affects species distribution within ecosystems.

Briefly explain why water vapor may either contribute to or slow global warming.

Describe how freshwater ecosystems face challenges of global climate change. Give an example from the text.

Keelingʹs reports from Mauna Loa demonstrated ______________.

Over ______________ % of the fuel you pump into your automobile does something other than move your vehicle down the road.

Use the figure above to answer the following question. -The temperature change over most of Asia is predicted to be _________________ °C.

Choose the item that best matches each item in the following: -Produced by microbes decomposing matter in landfills and as a metabolic byproduct of livestock

Recent research indicates that the variation in solar output ______________.

How can scientists learn about climatic history?

In legislation, the precautionary principle applied to climate change states that ______________.

Milankovitch cycles ______________.

How certain are scientists that humans are causing global climate change? Describe the language used by scientists and some of the particular climate trends they have identified as changing. If the scientific community is convinced of the evidence, why is there still debate?

The use of public transportation is ______________.

Earthʹs climate ______________.

Explain how human health may suffer or benefit from global climate change.

The oceans hold ______________ carbon than the atmosphere.

Use the figure above to answer the following question. -Compared to Antarctica, the percent increase in temperature in the Arctic will be ________________

Science and Sustainability: an Introduction to Environmental Science

Environmental Systems: Matter, Energy, and Ecosystems

Evolution, Biodiversity, and Population Ecology

Species Interactions and Community Ecology

Economics, Policy, and Sustainable Development

Human Population

Soil, Agriculture, and the Future of Food

Biodiversity and Conservation Biology

Forests, Forest Management, and Protected Areas

Environmental Health and Toxicology

Geology, Minerals, and Mining

Fresh Water, Oceans, and Coasts

Atmospheric Science, Air Quality, and Pollution Control

Nonrenewable Energy Sources, Their Impacts, and Energy Conservation

Renewable Energy Alternatives

Managing Our Waste

The Urban Environment: Creating Sustainable Cities

Epilogue

Filters

Exam 14: Global Climate Change

Distinguish between the terms weather and climate, and briefly discuss how each affects species distribution within ecosystems.

Briefly explain why water vapor may either contribute to or slow global warming.

Describe how freshwater ecosystems face challenges of global climate change. Give an example from the text.

Keelingʹs reports from Mauna Loa demonstrated ______________.

Over ______________ % of the fuel you pump into your automobile does something other than move your vehicle down the road.

Use the figure above to answer the following question. -The temperature change over most of Asia is predicted to be _________________ °C.

Choose the item that best matches each item in the following: -Produced by microbes decomposing matter in landfills and as a metabolic byproduct of livestock

Recent research indicates that the variation in solar output ______________.

How can scientists learn about climatic history?

In legislation, the precautionary principle applied to climate change states that ______________.

Milankovitch cycles ______________.

How certain are scientists that humans are causing global climate change? Describe the language used by scientists and some of the particular climate trends they have identified as changing. If the scientific community is convinced of the evidence, why is there still debate?

The use of public transportation is ______________.

Earthʹs climate ______________.

Explain how human health may suffer or benefit from global climate change.

The oceans hold ______________ carbon than the atmosphere.

Use the figure above to answer the following question. -Compared to Antarctica, the percent increase in temperature in the Arctic will be ________________

Science and Sustainability: an Introduction to Environmental Science

Environmental Systems: Matter, Energy, and Ecosystems

Evolution, Biodiversity, and Population Ecology

Species Interactions and Community Ecology

Economics, Policy, and Sustainable Development

Human Population

Soil, Agriculture, and the Future of Food

Biodiversity and Conservation Biology

Forests, Forest Management, and Protected Areas

Environmental Health and Toxicology

Geology, Minerals, and Mining

Fresh Water, Oceans, and Coasts

Atmospheric Science, Air Quality, and Pollution Control

Nonrenewable Energy Sources, Their Impacts, and Energy Conservation

Renewable Energy Alternatives

Managing Our Waste

The Urban Environment: Creating Sustainable Cities

Epilogue

Filters