Climate Quest: Navigating the Global Warming Challenge (2)

How much have global average temperatures increased in the last century?

• 2.3 F

• 0.4 F

• 1 F

• None

Answer explanation

Global surface temperature has been measured since 1880 at a network of ground-based and ocean-based sites. Over the last century, the average surface temperature of the Earth has increased by about 1.0^o F.

The phenomenon where increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is absorbed by the oceans, leading to a decrease in seawater pH, is known as ________________.

• Ocean acidification

• Ocean stratification

• Polar lows

• Melting of ice caps

Answer explanation

Absorption of excess carbon dioxide in the the atmosphere by the ocean makes it acidic, decreasing the pH of seawater.

Which of the following are potential consequences of global warming? Select all that apply.

• More frequent and severe heatwaves

• Glacier expansion

• Changes in precipitation patterns

• Ocean acidification

Answer explanation

Global warming leads to more frequent and severe heatwaves, alterations in precipitation patterns, and ocean acidification. However, glacier expansion is not a consequence of global warming, as it occurs due to colder temperatures and increased snowfall.

How does global warming influence the strength and frequency of hurricanes and typhoons in different parts of the world?

• Global warming leads to an overall decrease in the strength and frequency of hurricanes and typhoons

• Global warming causes a notable increase in the strength and frequency of hurricanes and typhoons worldwide

• Global warming has no direct impact on hurricane and typhoon activity

• Global warming affects hurricanes and typhoons differently depending on regional climate patterns

Answer explanation

Global warming leads to more intense and frequent hurricanes and typhoons due to warmer ocean waters, which provide the energy needed for their formation and intensification

What is the term used to describe the process of deliberately removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to mitigate climate change?

• Carbon offsetting

• Carbon capture and storage (CCS)

• Geoengineering

• Carbon sequestration

Answer explanation

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is the process of intentionally capturing carbon dioxide emissions from various sources, such as power plants and industrial facilities, and storing it underground or in suitable reservoirs. This method helps to reduce the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and mitigate climate change.

Which of the following are the consequences of global warming on biodiversity? Select all that apply.

• Increased biodiversity in affected regions

• Habitat loss and species extinction

• Range shifts and altered migration patterns

• Habitat Destruction

Answer explanation

Global warming has negative impacts on biodiversity, leading to habitat loss and species extinction as ecosystems face changes in temperature and conditions. It also causes range shifts and altered migration patterns as species seek suitable environments. Moreover, global warming disrupts ecosystem services essential for the functioning and balance of natural systems. However, it does not lead to increased biodiversity in affected regions; rather, it poses threats to existing biodiversity

Which of these is considered a critical threshold for carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere?

• 120 parts per million

• 250 parts per million

• 400 parts per million

• 600 parts per million

Answer explanation

The critical threshold for carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere is typically considered to be 400 parts per million (ppm). Crossing this level raises concerns about accelerated global warming and its impacts on climate, ecosystems, and human societies.
"Parts per million" (ppm) is a unit representing the concentration of a substance in a mixture. It denotes the number of units of the substance per one million units of the total mixture.

Which nation has the highest energy-related carbon dioxide emissions per capita ?

• USA

• China

• Qatar

• Saudi Arabia

Answer explanation

Qatar has the highest per capita carbon dioxide emissions worldwide, at 35.6 metric tons per person. Saudi Arabia & Middle Eastern countries have one of the highest capita carbon dioxide emissions worldwide but Qatar leads them all.

How does global warming and glacier melting impact downstream river systems and water availability?

• Glacier melting increases river flow, leading to a consistent supply of water throughout the year.

• Glacier melting reduces river flow, resulting in decreased water availability in the long term.

• Glacier melting has no significant impact on downstream river systems and water availability

• Glacier melting causes irregular water flow, with some years experiencing increased river flow and others facing water scarcity

Answer explanation

As glaciers melt due to global warming, they contribute less water to downstream river systems over time. Initially, there may be increased river flow from the melting ice, but in the long term, the reduced glacier mass leads to less water availability, particularly during dry seasons or periods of water scarcity. This can have significant implications for water resources and ecosystems relying on these rivers for sustenance

Which of the following statements best describes the albedo effect and its role in climate change?

• The albedo effect is a cooling mechanism that involves the reflection of solar radiation back into space, reducing the Earth's temperature.

• The albedo effect is the primary cause of ozone depletion, leading to the thinning of the ozone layer and increased UV radiation on Earth.

• The albedo effect describes the release of carbon dioxide from melting ice caps, contributing to the acceleration of climate change

• The albedo effect is the variation in the Earth's surface reflectivity, where darker surfaces absorb more solar energy and contribute to warming, while lighter surfaces reflect more energy and promote cooling

Answer explanation

The albedo effect describes how various Earthly surfaces reflect sun rays. Darker surfaces, like forests or asphalt, have lower albedo than lighter ones, which means they absorb more sunlight and cause warming. Snow and ice have a higher albedo than heavier materials, reflecting more sunlight back into space and facilitating cooling. The dynamics of climate change are greatly influenced by this fluctuation in surface reflectivity.