Global Climate Change Trivia Facts Quiz

The troposphere is the atmospheric layer closest to the Earth's surface and contains the gases we breathe. It is responsible for the weather we experience, as it is where most of the Earth's weather phenomena occur, such as clouds, rain, and wind. The other atmospheric layers mentioned in the options (thermosphere, mesosphere, and stratosphere) are located above the troposphere and have different characteristics and functions.

The correct answer is 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1% argon. This is the composition of Earth's atmosphere as determined by scientific measurements. Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere, making up 78% of its composition. Oxygen is the second most abundant gas, accounting for 21% of the atmosphere. Argon is present in trace amounts, making up only 1% of the atmosphere. The other options provided do not accurately reflect the composition of Earth's atmosphere.

The ozone layer is essential for life on earth because it acts as a protective shield against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UV radiation can cause various health issues such as skin cancer, cataracts, and immune system suppression. The ozone layer absorbs most of the UV radiation, preventing it from reaching the earth's surface in high amounts. Without the ozone layer, life on earth would be exposed to dangerous levels of UV radiation, leading to severe consequences for both humans and the environment.

The atmosphere does not produce solar radiation. Solar radiation is produced by the sun and then absorbed by the atmosphere. The atmosphere plays a role in absorbing and distributing solar radiation, but it does not produce it.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are known to react with ozone. When CFCs are released into the atmosphere, they can reach the stratosphere where they break down due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation. This breakdown releases chlorine atoms, which then react with ozone molecules, leading to the depletion of the ozone layer. This reaction between CFCs and ozone is a significant environmental concern as it contributes to the thinning of the ozone layer and increases the risk of harmful ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface.

Greenhouse gases are responsible for trapping and absorbing the infrared radiation that is released from the Earth's surface. This process is known as the greenhouse effect. As these gases absorb the infrared radiation, they prevent it from escaping into space, causing the Earth's surface to warm up. This is why greenhouse gases are often associated with global warming and climate change.

The Paris Agreement that came out of COP-21 in 2015 aimed to keep the global temperature rise well below 2℃ pre-industrial levels and to pursue a path to limit warming to 1.5℃. This agreement recognized the urgent need to address climate change and set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the impacts of global warming. By limiting temperature rise, the agreement aimed to prevent catastrophic climate change and its associated consequences, such as extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and disruption of ecosystems.

The main cause of climate change is fossil fuel use. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas release large amounts of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, when burned for energy. These greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures and various climate-related impacts such as melting ice caps, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels. The combustion of fossil fuels is a major contributor to the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations, making it the primary cause of climate change.

According to the EPA, China is currently the top emitter of carbon dioxide, accounting for 30% of global carbon emissions. The United States ranks as the second top emitter at 15%.

Carbon Dioxide is the main anthropogenic greenhouse gas produced in the United States. This means that it is the primary greenhouse gas emitted as a result of human activities in the United States. While it is not the most potent greenhouse gas per molecule, it is the most abundant and has a significant impact on global warming.