Ignorance At HHS: Climate Change Survey

1. What are the greenhouse gas(es)

Nitrogen oxide

Water vapor

Carbon dixode

Methane

All of the above

All of the options listed in the question are greenhouse gases. Nitrogen oxide, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane are all known to contribute to the greenhouse effect, which is the process by which heat is trapped in the Earth's atmosphere. These gases absorb and emit radiation, leading to an increase in the Earth's temperature. Therefore, all of the options mentioned are correct greenhouse gases.

Explanation

All of the options listed in the question are greenhouse gases. Nitrogen oxide, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane are all known to contribute to the greenhouse effect, which is the process by which heat is trapped in the Earth's atmosphere. These gases absorb and emit radiation, leading to an increase in the Earth's temperature. Therefore, all of the options mentioned are correct greenhouse gases.

2. New technologies and industrial activities have raised carbon dioxide levels from 280 parts per million to____.

400 parts per million

100 parts per million

900 parts per million

10 parts per million

The question states that new technologies and industrial activities have raised carbon dioxide levels. The answer choice of 400 parts per million is the only one that indicates an increase in carbon dioxide levels from the initial level of 280 parts per million. The other answer choices either indicate a decrease or a much larger increase in carbon dioxide levels, which is not supported by the question.

Explanation

The question states that new technologies and industrial activities have raised carbon dioxide levels. The answer choice of 400 parts per million is the only one that indicates an increase in carbon dioxide levels from the initial level of 280 parts per million. The other answer choices either indicate a decrease or a much larger increase in carbon dioxide levels, which is not supported by the question.

3. Greenland in the years, 1993 to 2006, have lost how many tons of ice?

123 million tons

286 billion tons

4.4 trillion

246 billion tons

Greenland lost 286 billion tons of ice between 1993 and 2006. This indicates a significant loss of ice over a 13-year period. The melting of ice in Greenland is a concerning issue as it contributes to rising sea levels and climate change. The large amount of ice loss emphasizes the urgency for addressing and mitigating the impacts of global warming on polar ice caps.

Explanation

Greenland lost 286 billion tons of ice between 1993 and 2006. This indicates a significant loss of ice over a 13-year period. The melting of ice in Greenland is a concerning issue as it contributes to rising sea levels and climate change. The large amount of ice loss emphasizes the urgency for addressing and mitigating the impacts of global warming on polar ice caps.

4. In the last century, the sea level has risen how many inches?

2 inches

10 inches

14 inches

8 inches

In the last century, the sea level has risen by 8 inches. This indicates that over the course of the past hundred years, the average global sea level has increased by 8 inches. This rise in sea level is primarily attributed to the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, as well as the thermal expansion of seawater due to climate change. The increase in sea level has significant implications for coastal communities, as it leads to more frequent and severe coastal flooding events.

Explanation

In the last century, the sea level has risen by 8 inches. This indicates that over the course of the past hundred years, the average global sea level has increased by 8 inches. This rise in sea level is primarily attributed to the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, as well as the thermal expansion of seawater due to climate change. The increase in sea level has significant implications for coastal communities, as it leads to more frequent and severe coastal flooding events.

5. Which year in the records was the warmest year so far?

2010

2013

2015

2018

According to the given options, the warmest year so far is 2015.

Explanation

According to the given options, the warmest year so far is 2015.

6. What is the probability that humans are the cause of climate change?

100%

78%

95%

83%

The answer of 95% suggests that there is a high probability that humans are the cause of climate change. This percentage indicates a strong consensus among scientists who have studied the issue. Multiple studies and research have provided substantial evidence linking human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions and subsequent climate change. While there may be some uncertainties and variations in specific estimates, the overall scientific consensus supports the notion that human activities are the primary driver of climate change.

Explanation

The answer of 95% suggests that there is a high probability that humans are the cause of climate change. This percentage indicates a strong consensus among scientists who have studied the issue. Multiple studies and research have provided substantial evidence linking human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions and subsequent climate change. While there may be some uncertainties and variations in specific estimates, the overall scientific consensus supports the notion that human activities are the primary driver of climate change.

7. The temperature has risen ___ degrees Fahrenheit since the 19th century.

1.62

3.1

2.9

.9

The temperature has risen 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit since the 19th century. This indicates a gradual increase in temperature over time.

Explanation

The temperature has risen 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit since the 19th century. This indicates a gradual increase in temperature over time.

8. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that temperatures will rise _____ to ______ degrees Fahrenheit over the next century.

1 to 2

3 to 5

2.5 to 10

5.3 to 11.2

The IPCC predicts that temperatures will rise between 2.5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next century. This range indicates the potential increase in global temperatures due to climate change. The wide range reflects the uncertainty and variability in climate models and projections. It is important to note that these temperature increases can have significant impacts on ecosystems, weather patterns, sea levels, and human societies.

Explanation

The IPCC predicts that temperatures will rise between 2.5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next century. This range indicates the potential increase in global temperatures due to climate change. The wide range reflects the uncertainty and variability in climate models and projections. It is important to note that these temperature increases can have significant impacts on ecosystems, weather patterns, sea levels, and human societies.

9. The acidity of the ocean has increased by about 30% due to the increased CO2 released into the atmosphere, which is then absorbed into the oceans. The amount of CO2 absorbed by the upper layer of oceans per year is increasing by____________________ per year.

1 million tons

7 million tons

13 million tons

2 billion tons

The acidity of the ocean has increased due to the increased CO2 released into the atmosphere, which is then absorbed into the oceans. The given answer of 2 billion tons suggests that the amount of CO2 absorbed by the upper layer of oceans per year is significantly high. This indicates that the ocean is absorbing a large amount of CO2, which is contributing to the increase in acidity.

Explanation

The acidity of the ocean has increased due to the increased CO2 released into the atmosphere, which is then absorbed into the oceans. The given answer of 2 billion tons suggests that the amount of CO2 absorbed by the upper layer of oceans per year is significantly high. This indicates that the ocean is absorbing a large amount of CO2, which is contributing to the increase in acidity.