Multiple Choice Questions
Capstone: Global Issues and Solutions
Topic: Climate Change
Grade: 11
Question 1:
Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?
a) Carbon dioxide
b) Methane
c) Nitrous oxide
d) Oxygen
Answer: d) Oxygen
Explanation: Oxygen is not a greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to the greenhouse effect. Examples of greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Oxygen is a necessary component for life, but it does not have the same warming effect as greenhouse gases.
Example 1: A simple example of a greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide. When we burn fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. This contributes to the greenhouse effect and leads to global warming.
Example 2: A more complex example is methane, which is released during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas. It is also emitted by livestock and other agricultural practices. Methane has a much stronger warming effect than carbon dioxide, although it is present in lower concentrations in the atmosphere.
Question 2:
Which of the following is a potential solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
a) Planting more trees
b) Increasing industrial production
c) Using fossil fuels for energy
d) Deforestation
Answer: a) Planting more trees
Explanation: Planting more trees is a potential solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, which helps to offset the emissions produced by human activities. This process is often referred to as carbon sequestration.
Example 1: In urban areas, planting more trees can help to reduce the heat island effect. The heat island effect occurs when urban areas experience higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas. Trees provide shade and cool the surrounding environment, reducing the need for air conditioning and energy consumption.
Example 2: In tropical rainforests, deforestation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. When trees are cut down, the carbon stored in their biomass is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. By protecting and restoring these forests, we can prevent the loss of carbon sinks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.