Multiple Choice Questions
Environmental Science: Policy and Advocacy
Topic: Environmental Science: Policy and Advocacy
Grade: 11
Question 1:
Which of the following is an example of a non-renewable resource?
A) Solar energy
B) Wind energy
C) Natural gas
D) Geothermal energy
Answer: C) Natural gas
Explanation: Natural gas is a non-renewable resource because it is formed over millions of years from the remains of plants and animals. Once it is extracted and used, it cannot be replenished within a human lifetime. An example of this is the extraction of natural gas through hydraulic fracturing (fracking), where large amounts of water and chemicals are pumped underground to release the gas trapped in rocks.
Question 2:
Which of the following is an example of an anthropogenic source of air pollution?
A) Volcanic eruption
B) Forest fire
C) Industrial emissions
D) Dust storms
Answer: C) Industrial emissions
Explanation: Industrial emissions, such as those from factories and power plants, are an example of anthropogenic (human-caused) sources of air pollution. These emissions contain pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which contribute to smog, acid rain, and respiratory problems. An example of this is the emission of greenhouse gases from coal-fired power plants, which contribute to climate change.
Question 3:
Which of the following is an example of a primary pollutant?
A) Ozone
B) Carbon monoxide
C) Sulfuric acid
D) Nitric oxide
Answer: D) Nitric oxide
Explanation: Nitric oxide is an example of a primary pollutant, which is directly emitted into the atmosphere from a source. It is primarily released during combustion processes, such as those in vehicles and power plants. Nitric oxide can react with other compounds in the atmosphere to form secondary pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide and ozone.
Question 4:
What is the main goal of environmental policy?
A) Conservation of natural resources
B) Economic growth
C) Protection of human health
D) Social justice
Answer: A) Conservation of natural resources
Explanation: The main goal of environmental policy is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. This includes protecting ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring the availability of resources for future generations. An example of this is the establishment of national parks and protected areas to conserve unique habitats and species.
Question 5:
Which of the following is an example of a negative externality in environmental economics?
A) Planting trees in a community park
B) Installing solar panels on a roof
C) Dumping toxic waste into a river
D) Promoting recycling programs
Answer: C) Dumping toxic waste into a river
Explanation: Dumping toxic waste into a river is an example of a negative externality, where the actions of one party impose costs on others without their consent. In this case, the company responsible for dumping the waste benefits from avoiding proper disposal costs, but the pollution negatively impacts the health of people downstream and the ecosystem. Laws and regulations, such as the Clean Water Act, aim to prevent such externalities by imposing penalties and promoting responsible waste management.
Question 6:
Which of the following is a characteristic of sustainable development?
A) Exploitation of natural resources
B) Short-term economic gains
C) Preservation of biodiversity
D) Overconsumption of goods and services
Answer: C) Preservation of biodiversity
Explanation: Sustainable development involves meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. One of its key principles is the preservation of biodiversity, which includes protecting and restoring ecosystems, conserving species, and maintaining genetic diversity. An example of this is the establishment of wildlife reserves and protected areas to safeguard vulnerable species and their habitats.
Question 7:
What is the purpose of an environmental impact assessment (EIA)?
A) To promote economic development
B) To evaluate the potential environmental effects of a project
C) To expedite the approval process for projects
D) To minimize public participation
Answer: B) To evaluate the potential environmental effects of a project
Explanation: The purpose of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is to systematically evaluate the potential environmental, social, and economic impacts of a proposed project or development. It helps identify potential issues and suggests measures to mitigate negative impacts. For example, an EIA for a new highway project would assess its potential effects on air and water quality, wildlife habitats, noise levels, and local communities.
Question 8:
Which of the following is an example of a market-based approach to environmental policy?
A) Command and control regulations
B) Subsidies for renewable energy
C) Environmental education programs
D) Zoning restrictions
Answer: B) Subsidies for renewable energy
Explanation: Market-based approaches to environmental policy use economic incentives to encourage environmentally friendly behaviors. Subsidies for renewable energy, such as tax credits or feed-in tariffs, reduce the cost of adopting clean technologies and increase their competitiveness in the market. This helps promote the transition to a low-carbon economy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Question 9:
What is the role of a stakeholder in environmental policy?
A) To enforce regulations
B) To advocate for policy changes
C) To conduct scientific research
D) To implement policy initiatives
Answer: B) To advocate for policy changes
Explanation: Stakeholders are individuals or groups who have an interest or are affected by a particular issue or policy. They play a crucial role in environmental policy by advocating for changes, raising awareness, and influencing decision-making processes. For example, environmental organizations may lobby for stricter regulations to protect endangered species or advocate for the expansion of renewable energy sources.
Question 10:
Which of the following is an example of a tragedy of the commons?
A) Conservation of a national park
B) Sustainable fishing practices
C) Overgrazing of public lands
D) Recycling programs
Answer: C) Overgrazing of public lands
Explanation: The tragedy of the commons refers to a situation where individuals, acting in their own self-interest, deplete a shared resource. Overgrazing of public lands is an example of this, where individual ranchers may graze their animals beyond sustainable levels, leading to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and degradation of the ecosystem. Policies such as rotational grazing and land-use regulations aim to prevent this tragedy by promoting sustainable management practices.
Question 11:
What is the main objective of the Kyoto Protocol?
A) To reduce greenhouse gas emissions
B) To promote economic development
C) To protect biodiversity
D) To regulate waste management
Answer: A) To reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Explanation: The main objective of the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement adopted in 1997, is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change. It sets binding targets for developed countries to reduce their emissions and establishes mechanisms for trading emission allowances. The protocol aims to mitigate the impacts of global warming by limiting the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Question 12:
Which of the following is an example of a positive feedback loop in the climate system?
A) Melting of sea ice leading to reduced solar radiation absorption
B) Increased carbon dioxide levels leading to enhanced plant growth
C) Rising global temperatures leading to decreased snow cover
D) Ocean acidification leading to coral bleaching
Answer: C) Rising global temperatures leading to decreased snow cover
Explanation: Positive feedback loops in the climate system amplify the initial change and lead to further warming or cooling. In this case, rising global temperatures cause decreased snow cover, which reduces the Earth\’s albedo (reflectivity) and increases the absorption of solar radiation. This, in turn, leads to more warming and further melting of snow and ice. Positive feedback loops are a concern in climate change because they can accelerate the rate of warming.
Question 13:
Which of the following is an example of an invasive species?
A) Native grasses in a prairie ecosystem
B) Beavers in North America
C) Zebra mussels in the Great Lakes
D) Monarch butterflies in Mexico
Answer: C) Zebra mussels in the Great Lakes
Explanation: Invasive species are non-native organisms that are introduced into an ecosystem and have negative impacts on native species and habitats. Zebra mussels, native to Eastern Europe, have become invasive in the Great Lakes region of North America. They reproduce rapidly, attach to surfaces, and filter large amounts of plankton, which can disrupt the food web and harm native species. Control measures, such as the use of biocides and monitoring programs, are implemented to manage invasive species.
Question 14:
What is the main purpose of the Endangered Species Act?
A) To protect and recover endangered species and their habitats
B) To promote the hunting of endangered species
C) To exploit and trade endangered species for economic gain
D) To conserve genetic diversity
Answer: A) To protect and recover endangered species and their habitats
Explanation: The main purpose of the Endangered Species Act is to protect and recover endangered and threatened species and their habitats. It prohibits the harming, killing, or capturing of listed species and requires federal agencies to ensure that their actions do not jeopardize the survival of listed species. The act also provides for the designation of critical habitat and the development of recovery plans to support the conservation of endangered species.
Question 15:
What is the concept of environmental justice?
A) Equal distribution of environmental benefits
B) Protection of natural resources
C) Conservation of biodiversity
D) Preservation of cultural heritage
Answer: A) Equal distribution of environmental benefits
Explanation: Environmental justice refers to the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of their race, color, national origin, or income, in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws and policies. It emphasizes the need for equal access to environmental benefits, such as clean air, clean water, and safe neighborhoods. Environmental justice advocates seek to address environmental disparities and ensure that marginalized communities are not disproportionately burdened by environmental hazards.