Reading Quiz P 504-520

1.

Regarding food production, global climate models have projected a

A.

10% to 50% loss in current cropland area
B.

10% to 50% gain in current cropland area
C.

No change in the amount of land available to grow food
D.

10% to 70% gain in yields of food crops

Correct Answer
A. 10% to 50% loss in current cropland area

Explanation
Global climate models have projected a 10% to 50% loss in current cropland area. This means that due to the effects of climate change, a significant portion of the land currently used for growing crops may become unsuitable or less productive for agriculture. Factors such as increased temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events can negatively impact the fertility and viability of cropland. This projected loss in cropland area could have significant implications for food production and may require the development of alternative strategies to ensure food security in the future.

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2.

In the event of global warming, food production might be negatively affected by all of the following except

A.

Poorer soil in new crop-growing rotations
B.

Increased insect populations
C.

Lack of irrigation water in some areas
D.

Decreased UV radiation resulting from increased ozone

Correct Answer
D. Decreased UV radiation resulting from increased ozone

Explanation
Global warming can have several negative impacts on food production. Poorer soil in new crop-growing rotations can occur due to increased temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns. Increased insect populations can damage crops and reduce yields. Lack of irrigation water in some areas can result from changes in rainfall patterns and increased evaporation rates. However, increased ozone resulting from global warming can lead to decreased UV radiation, which can actually benefit crops by reducing the risk of damage from excessive UV exposure.

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3.

The consequences of rapid climate change over decades might include

A.

Premature deaths from lack of food
B.

Reduction in earth's biodiersity
C.

Social and economic chaos
D.

All of these answers

Correct Answer
D. All of these answers

Explanation
Rapid climate change over decades can lead to various consequences, including premature deaths from lack of food, reduction in Earth's biodiversity, and social and economic chaos. These effects are interconnected and can exacerbate each other. Lack of food due to changing weather patterns and extreme events can result in malnutrition and starvation, leading to premature deaths. Climate change also disrupts ecosystems, causing a decline in biodiversity as species struggle to adapt or face extinction. Additionally, the social and economic impacts of climate change, such as displacement, resource conflicts, and economic instability, can further contribute to chaos and instability. Therefore, all of these answers are correct in describing the consequences of rapid climate change.

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4.

A rise in sea level is least likely to

A.

Flood areas where one-third of the world's human population lives
B.

Save the coral reefs
C.

Accelerate coastal erosion
D.

Contaminate coastal aquifers

Correct Answer
B. Save the coral reefs

Explanation
A rise in sea level is least likely to save the coral reefs because coral reefs are highly sensitive to changes in water temperature and salinity. As sea levels rise, the increased water volume can lead to higher water temperatures and increased sedimentation, which can stress and damage the coral reefs. Additionally, the rise in sea level can cause coral bleaching, where the corals expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, leading to their death. Therefore, it is unlikely that a rise in sea level would have a positive impact on the survival and preservation of coral reefs.

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5.

Which of the following statements about the potential effects of global warming on human health is false?

A.

Food and freshwater supplies are likely to be disrupted
B.

People are likely to be displaced
C.

Insect-borne disease are likely to decrease in today's temperate zones
D.

Sanitation systems in coastal cities may be flooded

Correct Answer
C. Insect-borne disease are likely to decrease in today's temperate zones

6.

Scientists who claim the global climate system is so complex we will never have the level of certainty wanted by decision makers urge

A.

Take no action now because global warming is all hype
B.

Take action now based on the precautionary principle
C.

Take no action until we get more data
D.

Continuing monitoring of the data

Correct Answer
B. Take action now based on the precautionary principle

Explanation
The correct answer is to take action now based on the precautionary principle. This is because scientists believe that the global climate system is complex and uncertain, and waiting for more data may lead to irreversible damage. The precautionary principle suggests that it is better to take preventive action to avoid potential harm, even if the evidence is not conclusive. Therefore, decision makers should not wait for absolute certainty and instead take action to address global warming.

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7.

All of the following are prevention approaches to global warming except

A.

Taxing gasoline and carbon dioxide emissions
B.

Shifting to perpetual and renewable energy sources
C.

Improving energy efficiency;transfer energy-efficiency and pollution prevention technologies to developing countries
D.

Dispersing methane from landfills to prevent explosions

Correct Answer
D. Dispersing methane from landfills to prevent explosions

Explanation
The correct answer is "dispersing methane from landfills to prevent explosions." This is because dispersing methane from landfills is not a prevention approach to global warming. While it may prevent explosions, it does not directly address the issue of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The other options mentioned, such as taxing gasoline and carbon dioxide emissions, shifting to renewable energy sources, and improving energy efficiency, are all prevention approaches that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate global warming.

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8.

At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janiero, ____ nations committed themselves to reducing greenhouse gas emission to 1990 levels by the year 2000.

A.

25
B.

50
C.

75
D.

Over 100

Correct Answer
D. Over 100

Explanation
The correct answer is "over 100" because at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, more than 100 nations committed themselves to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000. This indicates that the number of nations that made this commitment exceeded 100.

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9.

The 1997 Kyoto treaty to reduce global warming would

A.

Not require developing countries to make any cuts in their greenhouse gas emission unless they choose to do so
B.

Allow emissions trading
C.

Allow forested countries to get a break in their quotas
D.

All of these answers

Correct Answer
D. All of these answers

Explanation
The 1997 Kyoto treaty aimed to reduce global warming and had provisions that addressed different aspects. One provision stated that developing countries were not required to make cuts in their greenhouse gas emissions unless they voluntarily chose to do so. Another provision allowed for emissions trading, which means that countries could buy and sell emission allowances to meet their targets. Additionally, forested countries were given the opportunity to receive a break in their quotas as a recognition of their efforts in preserving forests. Therefore, the correct answer is that all of these answers are true.

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