Climate Change Quiz Questions And Answers

The Greenhouse effect refers to the trapping of heat around our earth by our atmosphere. This phenomenon occurs when certain gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space. This leads to an increase in the overall temperature of the earth's surface and lower atmosphere, causing global warming.

Carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of greenhouse gases, specifically carbon dioxide, emitted by an individual, organization, or activity. It is commonly measured in tonnes of carbon because carbon dioxide is the most prevalent greenhouse gas and is often used as a proxy for all greenhouse gas emissions. Tonnes of carbon provides a standardized unit of measurement that allows for easy comparison and analysis of carbon footprints across different entities and sectors.

The statement "Climate change is caused solely by natural causes" is incorrect. Climate change is a complex phenomenon influenced by both natural factors and human activities. Natural causes such as volcanic eruptions and variations in solar radiation can contribute to climate change, but the primary driver of the current climate change is human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities release large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to an increase in global temperatures and other climate-related impacts. Therefore, it is false to claim that climate change is solely caused by natural causes.

Global warming refers to the increase in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans. It is primarily caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space, leading to a rise in global temperatures. Global warming has significant impacts on the planet, including melting polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events. Therefore, the answer "global warming" accurately describes the increase in the Earth's temperature.

Methane gas is not the gas primarily responsible for climate change. While methane is a potent greenhouse gas, it is not the main driver of climate change. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most significant greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. CO2 is released through the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other human activities. Methane is released from sources such as livestock, landfills, and natural gas production. While methane has a stronger warming effect than CO2 in the short term, CO2 remains the largest contributor to long-term climate change.