EMC1 S1 recap

Which of the following is NOT a discipline involved in environmental management?

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Biology

• Painting

Answer explanation

Painting is an art form and does not involve scientific principles or practices related to environmental management, unlike physics, chemistry, and biology, which are essential disciplines in this field.

What is one environmental consequence of a warming planet?

• Decrease in ocean surface temperature

• Rise in sea level

• Stabilization of weather patterns

• Decrease in ocean acidity

Answer explanation

A warming planet leads to the melting of ice caps and glaciers, contributing to a rise in sea level. This is a significant environmental consequence, unlike the other options which are incorrect.

Which of the following is a result of ocean acidification?

• Increase in ocean biodiversity

• Coral bleaching

• Decrease in sea level

• Stabilization of marine ecosystems

Answer explanation

Coral bleaching is a direct result of ocean acidification, as increased CO2 levels lower pH, stressing coral and causing them to expel the symbiotic algae they rely on for color and nutrients.

What is the effect of the greenhouse effect on Earth's climate?

• It causes global cooling

• It stabilizes the climate

• It contributes to global warming

• It has no effect

Answer explanation

The greenhouse effect traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to an increase in Earth's average temperature. This process contributes to global warming, making it the correct choice.

What is an alternative to using fossil fuels to reduce CO₂ emissions?

• Use alternative energy sources

• Burn more coal

• Increase deforestation

• Use more gasoline

Answer explanation

Using alternative energy sources, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power, can significantly reduce CO₂ emissions compared to fossil fuels. The other options would increase emissions, making them ineffective for this goal.

Which action can help in releasing less CO₂ into the atmosphere?

• Burn fuels which release less CO₂

• Increase vehicle emissions

• Use more diesel

• Increase industrial waste

Answer explanation

Burning fuels that release less CO₂ directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making it an effective action to mitigate climate change. The other options would increase CO₂ emissions.

What is the main topic of the diagram in the image?

• Renewable energy sources

• Main man-made sources of CO₂ emissions and the greenhouse effect

• Water pollution

• Natural disasters

Answer explanation

The diagram focuses on the main man-made sources of CO₂ emissions and their contribution to the greenhouse effect, highlighting the impact of human activities on climate change.

What is the impact of burning fossil fuels on CO₂ emissions?

• It reduces CO₂ emissions

• It increases CO₂ emissions

• It has no effect on CO₂ levels

• It decreases greenhouse gases

Answer explanation

Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere, significantly increasing CO₂ emissions. This process contributes to climate change and global warming, making the correct choice 'It increases CO₂ emissions'.

What is the first step in the IEMA Greenhouse Gas Management Hierarchy?

• Compensate

• Reduce

• Eliminate

• Substitute

Answer explanation

The first step in the IEMA Greenhouse Gas Management Hierarchy is to 'Eliminate' emissions at the source, as this is the most effective way to manage greenhouse gases before considering reduction, substitution, or compensation.

What does the 'Reduce' step focus on in the hierarchy?

• Compensating emissions

• Efficiency in operations

• Transitioning business models

• Purchasing carbon credits

Answer explanation

The 'Reduce' step emphasizes improving efficiency in operations to minimize resource use and emissions, making it the correct focus area compared to compensating emissions, transitioning business models, or purchasing carbon credits.