Global Issues Exam 3

Rank the following alternative energy sources according to how much they contribute to all alternative energy production (1 = the highest to 4 = the lowest) A. Marine energies B. Solar energy C. Geothermal D. Hydroelectricity E. Wind power F. Biomass

6: A. Marine energies 4: B. Solar energy 5: C. Geothermal 1: D. Hydroelectricity 2: E. Wind power 3: F. Biomass

What are reasons for why the U.S. didn't ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) until long after the treaty had gone into effect (select all that apply, there may be one to four possible correct answers)? A. The U.S. was reluctant to expose itself to international criticism B. The U.S. had concerns that ratifying the treaty could erode its national sovereignty C. The U.S. does not recognize the concept of negative rights D. President Carter opposed the idea of an international treaty E. Human rights have never been a foreign policy priority for the U.S.

A,B A. The U.S. was reluctant to expose itself to international criticism B. The U.S. had concerns that ratifying the treaty could erode its national sovereignty

Which of the following were the key outcomes of the Johannesburg Summit in 2002 (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. A pledge by the world's leaders to commit fully to the goal of sustainable development B. An implementation plan detailing a comprehensive program of action with quantifiable goals and targets C. The forming of nearly 300 voluntary partnerships between private sector and civil society organizations to support sustainable development D. A new binding treaty detailing new targets for how to reach sustainable development goals E. A legally-binding commitment by the North to provide development aid to the South

A,B,C A. A pledge by the world's leaders to commit fully to the goal of sustainable development B. An implementation plan detailing a comprehensive program of action with quantifiable goals and targets C. The forming of nearly 300 voluntary partnerships between private sector and civil society organizations to support sustainable development

Which of the following are direct drivers of species extinction (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Overexploitation (e.g. overfishing) B. Humans' growing appetite for meat and fish C. Land use change D. Greater use of land for nature preserves E. Increased biodiversity

A,B,C A. Overexploitation (e.g. overfishing) B. Humans' growing appetite for meat and fish C. Land use change

Sustainable development involves: (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers) A. Reducing consumption B. Increasing efficiency C. Using renewable energies D. Building wider roads E. Constructing larger buildings F. Searching for more deposits of fossil fuels to accommodate current demands

A,B,C A. Reducing consumption B. Increasing efficiency C. Using renewable energies

Which of the following are problems associated with megacities (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Overcrowding B. Housing shortage C. Pollution D. Aging infrastructure (e.g. mass transit and highways) E. Forced urban to rural migration

A,B,C,D A. Overcrowding B. Housing shortage C. Pollution D. Aging infrastructure (e.g. mass transit and highways)

Which of the following have been experienced by the civilian population as a consequence of the civil war in Syria? A. Children have been unable to go to school B. More than 350,000 people have lost their lives due to the conflict C. More than 11 million people had to flee their homes because of the ongoing violence (moving both inside and outside of their country) D. Nearly 5 million Syrians have become refugees (fleeing to other countries) E. Neighboring countries, Lebanon and Turkey, have each taken on more than 1 million refugees from the Syrian conflict

A,B,C,D,E A. Children have been unable to go to school B. More than 350,000 people have lost their lives due to the conflict C. More than 11 million people had to flee their homes because of the ongoing violence (moving both inside and outside of their country) D. Nearly 5 million Syrians have become refugees (fleeing to other countries) E. Neighboring countries, Lebanon and Turkey, have each taken on more than 1 million refugees from the Syrian conflict

*Which of the following are likely consequences of climate change (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Increased flooding B. Increased number of droughts C. Rapidly changing habitats and species extinction D. Growing number of climate refugees E. Rapid evolutionary change leading to new, more resilient, species

A,B,C,D,E A. Increased flooding B. Increased number of droughts C. Rapidly changing habitats and species extinction D. Growing number of climate refugees E. Rapid evolutionary change leading to new, more resilient, species

Which of the following are consequences of the civil war in Yemen (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Almost 20 million people lack access to adequate healthcare B. Food prices have risen dramatically pushing more and more people into food insecurity C. There has been the largest cholera outbreak ever recorded with nearly 1.5 million reported cases and nearly 3,000 deaths since 2017 D. According to the UN, 10 million people are just a step away from famine, experiencing "catastrophic levels of hunger"017 E. The conflict has been labeled "the world's worst man-made humanitarian disaster" (80% of the population need humanitarian assistance) F. According to the NGO Save the Children, 85,000 children have died of acute malnutrition in the period from 2015 and 2018

A,B,C,D,E,F A. Almost 20 million people lack access to adequate healthcare B. Food prices have risen dramatically pushing more and more people into food insecurity C. There has been the largest cholera outbreak ever recorded with nearly 1.5 million reported cases and nearly 3,000 deaths since 2017 D. According to the UN, 10 million people are just a step away from famine, experiencing "catastrophic levels of hunger"017 E. The conflict has been labeled "the world's worst man-made humanitarian disaster" (80% of the population need humanitarian assistance) F. According to the NGO Save the Children, 85,000 children have died of acute malnutrition in the period from 2015 and 2018

Which of the following are actions individuals can take to help achieve the SDGs (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Ask your local and national authorities to engage in activities that don't harm people or the planet B. Compost any food remains to reduce landfills C. Buy products from companies that have sustainable practices D. Reduce, reuse, recycle E. Save water: avoid baths, take shorter showers F. Don't waste food (buy only what you need, freeze left-overs) G. Turn off the lights H. Whenever possible, bike, walk, or take public transportation I. Consume more

A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H A. Ask your local and national authorities to engage in activities that don't harm people or the planet B. Compost any food remains to reduce landfills C. Buy products from companies that have sustainable practices D. Reduce, reuse, recycle E. Save water: avoid baths, take shorter showers F. Don't waste food (buy only what you need, freeze left-overs) G. Turn off the lights H. Whenever possible, bike, walk, or take public transportation

What do we know about species extinction (select all that apply; there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. We're now losing species at the fastest rate for millions of years B. When a single event leads to a lot of species going extinct at the same time, this is called mass extinction C. Species extinction is part of the natural process D. Over the course of 3½ billion years of life on earth, 99% of all species have become extinct E. Current levels of species extinction have nothing to do with human behavior F. Today's species extinction is no different from any other extinction event through the planet's history and is therefore nothing to worry about G. There have been five events leading to mass extinction in the history of the earth

A,B,C,D,G A. We're now losing species at the fastest rate for millions of years B. When a single event leads to a lot of species going extinct at the same time, this is called mass extinction C. Species extinction is part of the natural process D. Over the course of 3½ billion years of life on earth, 99% of all species have become extinct G. There have been five events leading to mass extinction in the history of the earth

What change in thinking is linked to Agenda 21 (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. A growing recognition that developing countries should integrate the environment into their development strategies B. A growing recognition that developed countries should cut down on their wasteful consumption patterns C. A growing recognition that developing countries should prioritize economic development over the environment D. A growing recognition that economic development strategies need to be in harmony with nature E. A consensus on the need to protect whales and dolphins from aggressive fishing practices F. A growing recognition that the 21st century will see dramatically increased environmental degradation

A,B,D A. A growing recognition that developing countries should integrate the environment into their development strategies B. A growing recognition that developed countries should cut down on their wasteful consumption patterns D. A growing recognition that economic development strategies need to be in harmony with nature

Which of the following were contributing factors to the outbreak of the civil war in Syria in 2011 (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Permanent changes to rain and windfall patterns brought on by global warming B. The 2006 draught that had forced large numbers of rural Syrians into already crowded cities C. Russian support for the Syrian government D. Increasing scarcity of water and food sources E. The loss of more than half a million lives

A,B,D A. Permanent changes to rain and windfall patterns brought on by global warming B. The 2006 draught that had forced large numbers of rural Syrians into already crowded cities D. Increasing scarcity of water and food sources

What are the main drivers of today's species extinction (select all that apply; there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Species exploitation B. Habitat transformation C. Shifting polar ice caps D. Climate Change E. Pollution F. Coral reef reclamation

A,B,D,E A. Species exploitation B. Habitat transformation D. Climate Change E. Pollution

Which are the ways in which the UN supports human rights (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. The UN helps implement human rights through enforcement activities such as peacekeeping B. The UN promotes knowledge and public support through educating publics about human rights C. The UN amends state constitutions if they don't include human rights protections D. The UN writes domestic legislation for its member states to ensure that human rights are included E. The UN helps implement human rights through economic development F. The UN outsources human rights protections to the ten largest NGOs (by annual revenue) who have the most power to push for change G. The UN helps formulate international human rights standards through treaties and declarations

A,B,E,G A. The UN helps implement human rights through enforcement activities such as peacekeeping B. The UN promotes knowledge and public support through educating publics about human rights E. The UN helps implement human rights through economic development G. The UN helps formulate international human rights standards through treaties and declarations

China ranks as the worst in the world on three of the 14 "Air Quality" variables in the RCII (both aggregate variables and raw data variables). Select all the variables below where the country ranks last (score of 1). A. Nitrous Oxide (KT of CO2 Equivalent) B. CO2 Emissions (KT) C. Other Greenhouse Gas Emissions D. CO2 Emissions, Metric Tons per Capita E. Exposure to WHO Exceedance of PM2.5 F. Methane Emissions (KT of CO2 Equivalent) G. Greenhouse Gas Emissions

A,B,F A. Nitrous Oxide (KT of CO2 Equivalent) B. CO2 Emissions (KT) F. Methane Emissions (KT of CO2 Equivalent)

One of the key outcomes of Rio+20 was a focus on building a green economy. A green economy is an economy that (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers): A. Improves human well-being and social equity while reducing environmental risks B. Is resource-intensive with a high carbon footprint C. Is low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive D. Increases a return on investment regardless of environmental impact E. Is an effort to reverse industrialization so as to create more green spaces

A,C A. Improves human well-being and social equity while reducing environmental risks C. Is low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive

Which of the following are examples through which technological innovations have been successfully used to promote human rights (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. When Egyptian protesters in 2011 used Twitter to publicize videos of police violence B. When governments used Facebook accounts to prosecute human rights protesters in Germany C. When a solar-powered internet network allowed villages in Uganda to get access to crop information and thus to improve their yields and incomes D. When corporations used communication and logistics infrastructure to avoid paying taxes E. When Instagram photos were used to imprison those who published information critical of the French government

A,C A. When Egyptian protesters in 2011 used Twitter to publicize videos of police violence C. When a solar-powered internet network allowed villages in Uganda to get access to crop information and thus to improve their yields and incomes

Which of the following are sustainability projects covered in the report on 'The Future of Cities' (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Water bottles turned into solar lightbulbs in Manila, Philippines B. Lunar-powered tricycles for school children to use during recess in Macon, Georgia C. A fog catcher to collect water from the air in Peru D. Bricks made out of discarded plastic in Karachi, Pakistan E. An electric rickshaw that residents in Santiago de Chile can ride for free F. The first smart city, Songdo, South Korea, with highly efficient infrastructure and a waste management system that carries trash and recyclables through underground tunnels to their processing facilities

A,C,D,E,F A. Water bottles turned into solar lightbulbs in Manila, Philippines C. A fog catcher to collect water from the air in Peru D. Bricks made out of discarded plastic in Karachi, Pakistan E. An electric rickshaw that residents in Santiago de Chile can ride for free F. The first smart city, Songdo, South Korea, with highly efficient infrastructure and a waste management system that carries trash and recyclables through underground tunnels to their processing facilities

Why is plastic pollution such a big environmental problem (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Seabirds ingest plastic mistaking it for fish B. We do not have the capacity to reduce our production and use of plastics C. The fish humans eat has also often eaten plastic D. The material lasts much longer than a human lifetime and therefore its impact, too, lasts a lifetime E. Plastic is virtually indestructible and it doesn't break down easily F. Forty percent of all plastics are used only once before being discarded G. If current trends continue, our oceans could contain more plastic than fish by 2050 H. There is no substitute for plastic utensils, straws and water bottles

A,C,D,E,F,G A. Seabirds ingest plastic mistaking it for fish C. The fish humans eat has also often eaten plastic D. The material lasts much longer than a human lifetime and therefore its impact, too, lasts a lifetime E. Plastic is virtually indestructible and it doesn't break down easily F. Forty percent of all plastics are used only once before being discarded G. If current trends continue, our oceans could contain more plastic than fish by 2050

Which of the following are examples of geoengineering (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Finding ways to capture and safely store carbon dioxide B. Increasing the amount of wind turbines and solar panels used for energy production C. Changing ocean chemistry to increase their carbon absorption D. Manipulation of Earth's cloud cover E. Eliminating all carbon dioxide from the Earth's atmosphere F. Creating a planetary filter to reflect sunlight

A,C,D,F A. Finding ways to capture and safely store carbon dioxide C. Changing ocean chemistry to increase their carbon absorption D. Manipulation of Earth's cloud cover F. Creating a planetary filter to reflect sunlight

Which of the following are alternative energy sources (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Solar B. Petroleum C. Biomass D. Hydroelectricity E. Coal F. Wind Power

A,C,D,F A. Solar C. Biomass D. Hydroelectricity F. Wind Power

Which of the following are listed as part of the MDGs (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Improve maternal health B. Achieve universal health care systems in all MDCs C. Reduce child mortality D. Ensure environmental sustainability E. Reverse species extinction F. Develop a global partnership for development G. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger H. Promote gender equality and women's empowerment I. Combat HIV/AIDS and other diseases

A,C,D,F,G,H,I A. Improve maternal health C. Reduce child mortality D. Ensure environmental sustainability F. Develop a global partnership for development G. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger H. Promote gender equality and women's empowerment I. Combat HIV/AIDS and other diseases

Which of the following are points of criticism made against the SDGs (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. There are too many goals and targets for them to be effective B. There are too few goals and targets for them to be effective C. The goals are presented as if in isolation and this could contribute to missing important connections that undermine the goal of sustainability D. The SDGs overemphasize economic over social development E. The SDGs are internally inconsistent because they don't acknowledge that global poverty and ecological decline are tied to extreme wealth, inequality, and overconsumption F. The SDGs ignore the importance of environmental health

A,C,E A. There are too many goals and targets for them to be effective C. The goals are presented as if in isolation and this could contribute to missing important connections that undermine the goal of sustainability E. The SDGs are internally inconsistent because they don't acknowledge that global poverty and ecological decline are tied to extreme wealth, inequality, and overconsumption

What benefits can be gained from having green roofs (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. They reduce the ambient temperature B. Heat is reflected back into the air, contributing to the "heat island effect" C. They reduce the building's energy consumption D. Green is the cheapest paint color and therefore green roofs are low-cost alternative to other painted roofs E. They serve as habitats for insects and birds F. They save millions of gallons of storm water runoff because the water is absorbed by the soil and the plants

A,C,E,F A. They reduce the ambient temperature C. They reduce the building's energy consumption E. They serve as habitats for insects and birds F. They save millions of gallons of storm water runoff because the water is absorbed by the soil and the plants

Only ten rivers in the world carry more than 90% of the world's plastic waste. Which of the following are among them (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Indus B. Mississippi C. Yangtze D. Hudson E. Mekong F. Amazon G. Nile

A,C,E,G A. Indus C. Yangtze E. Mekong G. Nile

What were the concerns raised with the Kyoto Protocol (select all that apply; there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. The degree to which carbon sinks should count toward a country's effort to reduce global warming B. It only focused on chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) C. The U.S. never ratified it D. Its non-binding emissions reduction targets for greenhouse gases E. The fact that key developing countries (i.e., China and India) did not participate meaningfully (i.e., didn't face binding emissions targets) F. China's lack of ratification until 2012 G. The vagueness on how emissions trading could achieve reductions

A,C,E,G A. The degree to which carbon sinks should count toward a country's effort to reduce global warming C. The U.S. never ratified it E. The fact that key developing countries (i.e., China and India) did not participate meaningfully (i.e., didn't face binding emissions targets) G. The vagueness on how emissions trading could achieve reductions

What are the reasons for why Small Island States are particularly concerned with reducing carbon dioxide emissions (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. A rise of one meter in sea level could flood the Small Island States B. Rising sea levels could decrease employment opportunities, such as in the ship building industry C. Rising sea levels could end fishing revenues D. Rising sea levels could destroy their economies

A,D A. A rise of one meter in sea level could flood the Small Island States D. Rising sea levels could destroy their economies

Which of the following are examples brought up by the U.S. State Department Report on the kinds of human rights violations found in specific countries (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Jailing members of the LGBTQ community B. Use of torture and rape as weapons of war C. Use of the death penalty as punishment for certain crimes D. Indiscriminate attacks on civilians and hospitals E. Stopping people from exercising their right to seek protection from persecution

A,D A. Jailing members of the LGBTQ community D. Indiscriminate attacks on civilians and hospitals

As can be seen in the Country Profile drill down above, the United States ranks 113th in "Air Quality," 20th in "Water Quality," and 92nd in "Land Quality." Look inside these three subdimensions and select all of the below that are true. A. The U.S. ranks next to last in "CO2 Emissions (KT)" B. The U.S. ranks 4th in "Tree Cover Loss," showing a sharp improvement on this variable C. The U.S. ties for #1 (best) in "SO2 Emissions" D. 81.84% of Americans have access to sanitation E. 82% of U.S. households have access to drinking water

A,D A. The U.S. ranks next to last in "CO2 Emissions (KT)" D. 81.84% of Americans have access to sanitation

Sustainable development has been defined as (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers): A. Development that improves the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems B. Development that protects the less developed world from the ravages of over-consumption in the developed world C. Economic planning that protects the well-being of human populations despite harms to the environment D. Sound environmental planning without sacrificing economic and social improvements E. Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

A,D,E A. Development that improves the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems D. Sound environmental planning without sacrificing economic and social improvements E. Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

What was the immediate context for why the UDHR was drafted (select all that apply; there may be one to four possible correct answers)? A. The horror of over 50 million dead in WWII B. The increasing ideological difference between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. C. The U.S. Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights D. The call by U.S. President Truman to contain communism E. The terrible atrocities committed during WWII, such as the Holocaust

A,E A. The horror of over 50 million dead in WWII E. The terrible atrocities committed during WWII, such as the Holocaust

When did the first World Climate Conference in Geneva take place? A. 1979 B. 2015 C. 2009 D. 1992 E. 1997

A. A. 1979

As noted in your reading, which of the following had the highest 2014 total carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy? A. China B. Brazil C. Saudi Arabia D. Germany E. United States

A. A. China

Who was responsible for crafting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? A. Governments working together in the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development B. A combination of states, MNCs, and NGOs concerned with sustainable development C. NGOs charged with environmental protection D. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) E. UN experts under the guidance of the UN Secretary-General

A. A. Governments working together in the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development

As can be seen in the table above of "CO2 Emissions (KT)" (one of the variables under "Greenhouse Gas Emissions"), China and the United States rank #136 and #135 (i.e., the worst). Which four countries also rank in the bottom six on "CO2 Emissions (KT)"? A. India, Russia, Japan, Germany B. Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan C. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, India, Argentina D. Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Iran

A. A. India, Russia, Japan, Germany

As noted in your reading, which of the following had the highest 2014 per capita carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy? A. Saudi Arabia B. United States C. China D. France E. Brazil

A. A. Saudi Arabia

Which of the following provides evidence that a warming planet is related to human behavior? A. Scientists have shown a close relationship between global carbon dioxide levels and average global temperatures, while demonstrating that there has been an increase in atmospheric carbon due to the burning of fossil fuels B. Scientists have argued that the increase in temperature in the nineteenth century is likely to have been the largest in any century during the past 1000 years C. Scientists have shown that increasing levels of carbon dioxide could impact our climate D. Scientists generally agree that the Earth can only sustain an atmospheric concentration of carbon of about 390 parts per million

A. A. Scientists have shown a close relationship between global carbon dioxide levels and average global temperatures, while demonstrating that there has been an increase in atmospheric carbon due to the burning of fossil fuels

What distinguishes the Brundtland Commission's definition of sustainable development from the one proposed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the World Wide Fund for Nature? A. The former focuses on the well-being of humans while the latter extends the definition to the biosphere B. The former focuses on intergenerational responsibility while the latter looks only to behavior in the present C. The former focuses on the well-being of the biosphere while the latter emphasizes only the well-being of humans D. The Brundtland Commission focuses on plant life while the others emphasize the importance only of animals

A. A. The former focuses on the well-being of humans while the latter extends the definition to the biosphere

What does "UN MDGs" stand for? A. United Nations Millennium Development Goals B. United Nations Millennial Debt-forgiveness Goals C. United Nations Millennium Development Grants D. United Nations Multiple Development Grants E. United Nations Multiple Development Goals

A. A. United Nations Millennium Development Goals

The tension over sustainable development can be stated as: A. Whether the focus should be on environmental conservation of living and nonliving resources or on enhancing economic growth and development B. Whether LDCs should have to take part given their poverty C. Whether market forces should be part of economic development D. Whether or not development can ever be sustainable E. Whether sustainable development is a useful concept

A. A. Whether the focus should be on environmental conservation of living and nonliving resources or on enhancing economic growth and development

Why are some gases considered greenhouse gases (select all that apply; there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Because they are byproducts of plants grown in confined spaces B. Because they trap solar radiation in the atmosphere C. Because of their effect on the warming of the atmosphere D. Because they are molecules similar to those produced in photosynthesis E. Because they only exist in greenhouses

B,C B. Because they trap solar radiation in the atmosphere C. Because of their effect on the warming of the atmosphere

Which of the following is NOT true about the role of technology in human rights (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Technology has contributed to greater knowledge about government behavior because more people can now publicize what they witness B. Technology can't be used for positive and negative purposes at the same time C. Whether people live in developed or underdeveloped countries, technology has benefitted everyone equally D. Technology has contributed to battling preventable diseases like diarrhea by providing more and cheaper access to water filtration E. Technology has made it easier for governments to monitor the activities of those who are critical of government policies F. Technological advances make communication easier and thus help in raising awareness about human rights issues

B,C B. Technology can't be used for positive and negative purposes at the same time C. Whether people live in developed or underdeveloped countries, technology has benefitted everyone equally

As discussed in the context of Uruguay, what is the role of a human rights rapporteur (select all that apply, there may be one to four possible correct answers)? A. To alert the U.S. government when countries violate international commitments to human rights B. To assess progress in discovering the truth about past atrocities committed in a country C. To ensure justice and compensation for survivors of human rights abuses D. To prosecute government officials for past human rights abuses E. To organize peacekeeping operations so that people's human rights are protected

B,C B. To assess progress in discovering the truth about past atrocities committed in a country C. To ensure justice and compensation for survivors of human rights abuses

Which of the following are empirically observable changes showing that our biosphere is changing (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Oceans have started to get cooler B. Glaciers are retreating almost everywhere around the world C. Global sea level rose by about (17 centimeters) 6.7 inches in the past century D. The number of record-high temperature events in the U.S. has been increasing since the 1950s E. The extent and thickness of the Arctic sea has declined rapidly over the past decades F. Spring snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere has increased and snow is melting later in the season

B,C,D,E B. Glaciers are retreating almost everywhere around the world C. Global sea level rose by about (17 centimeters) 6.7 inches in the past century D. The number of record-high temperature events in the U.S. has been increasing since the 1950s E. The extent and thickness of the Arctic sea has declined rapidly over the past decades

Which of the following are benefits of the African "Great Green Wall" (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Keeps out immigrants B. Tree roots hold water in soil C. Provides employment opportunities for local populations D. Separates countries from each other E. Helps fight the effects of climate change F. Reverses desertification G. Protects against soil erosion H. The tree canopy increases moisture in the air and provides shade, reducing the need for watering

B,C,E,F,G,H B. Tree roots hold water in soil C. Provides employment opportunities for local populations E. Helps fight the effects of climate change F. Reverses desertification G. Protects against soil erosion H. The tree canopy increases moisture in the air and provides shade, reducing the need for watering

What can be done about species extinction (select all that apply; there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Nothing B. Reduce deforestation in the tropics to zero C. Consume less meat D. Grow more food E. Do more of what got us to this point F. Fly less

B,C,F B. Reduce deforestation in the tropics to zero C. Consume less meat F. Fly less

The Brundtland Commission's 1987 report "Our Common Future" identified: (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers): A. Democracy as the necessary precursor to sustainable development B. Poverty eradication as a necessary requirement for environmentally sustainable development C. That without sustainable development, there can be no economic growth D. A need for world-wide development strategies that recognized the limits of our ecosystem E. That environmental protection needs to be pursued regardless of the economic costs involved

B,D B. Poverty eradication as a necessary requirement for environmentally sustainable development D. A need for world-wide development strategies that recognized the limits of our ecosystem

Which of the following are greenhouse gases (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Oxygen B. Ozone C. Helium D. Carbon dioxide E. Methane F. Water Vapor G. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

B,D,E,F,G B. Ozone D. Carbon Dioxide E. Methane F. Water Vapor G. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

What is the main critique that developing states (LDCs) levy against industrial states (MDCs) over global environmental issues (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. That the higher number of people living in the industrialized countries are responsible for our current global environmental problems B. That the long history of MDC industrialization processes has been the greatest contributor to global environmental problems C. That the South is not affected by global environmental problems and therefore does not need to contribute to solving the problems D. That LDCs do not need to worry about their economic behavior E. That the average person in an industrialized country accounts for significantly more resource consumption than someone in a poorer country

B,E B. That the long history of MDC industrialization processes has been the greatest contributor to global environmental problems E. That the average person in an industrialized country accounts for significantly more resource consumption than someone in a poorer country

What are reasons why in 2000 the UN General Assembly adopted the MDGs (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. The decline in the world's population due to the spread of communicable diseases B. Increasing concerns over globalization and emerging issues such as the HIV/AIDS pandemic C. The United Nations recognized that earlier thinking on sustainable development had become outdated D. The General Assembly declared that most of the goals in Agenda 21 had been reached and that the new millennium needed new ideas E. Official development assistance from industrialized countries had declined since the 1992 Rio Summit F. A growing recognition that the world was failing to reach most of the goals set out in Agenda 21

B,E,F B. Increasing concerns over globalization and emerging issues such as the HIV/AIDS pandemic E. Official development assistance from industrialized countries had declined since the 1992 Rio Summit F. A growing recognition that the world was failing to reach most of the goals set out in Agenda 21

ow many countries voted against the UDHR in 1948? A. 5 B. 0 C. 48 D. 8 E. 25

B. B. 0

How many species are at risk of extinction in the next decade? A. 100 million B. 1 million C. 25 million D. 50 million E. 100,000 F. 10 million

B. B. 1 million

The 2016 Paris Agreement, which focused on renewed efforts to set emissions reduction targets to be met by both developing and developed countries, was signed by __________ states. A. 250 B. 195 C. 150 D. 100 E. 150

B. B. 195

Which of the following environmental conferences first combined scientific issues with broader political, social, and economic issues? A. 1992 Rio Summit B. 1972 Stockholm Conference C. 2000 Monterrey Conference (Millennium Development Goals) D. 2012 Rio+20 E. 2002 World Earth Summit on Sustainable Development

B. B. 1972 Stockholm Conference

What percentage of the world's population lives in cities? A. 10% B. 50% C. 25% D. 90% E. 70%

B. B. 50%

According to scientists, what is the maximum concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that the Earth could sustain? A. About 3,900 parts per million B. About 390 parts per million C. About 390,000 parts per million D. About 39,000 parts per million E. About 39 parts per million

B. B. About 390 parts per million

The Paris Accord tried to limit further global warming to 2 degrees Celsius (about 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). To this end, emissions of carbon dioxide (the main driver of global warming) need to be reduced. Why is it increasingly difficult to meet this goal? A. Not enough states are willing to emit more carbon dioxide B. Global CO2 emissions have been rising, reaching the highest levels on record C. There are no alternatives to economic growth processes that have very high CO2 emissions D. The relationship between carbon dioxide and global warming is unclear

B. B. Global CO2 emissions have been rising, reaching the highest levels on record

While _____________ is a term that refers to the concern that increased greenhouse gases increase the Earth's temperature, ______________ is the term that includes reference to changes in extremes of temperatures and precipitation. A. Ozone layer depletion / natural disasters B. Global warming / climate change C. Climate change / global warming D. Atmospheric change / weather patterns E. Gaseous warming process / weather change

B. B. Global warming / climate change

Certain gases in the atmosphere - water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide - can trap solar radiation and cause the atmosphere to warm. These are called: A. Solar gases B. Greenhouse gases C. Warming gases D. Climate change gases E. Ozone gases

B. B. Greenhouse gases

Which uninhabited island in the South Pacific has been described as having the highest density of plastic waste in the world? A. Tekava B. Henderson Island C. Bora Bora D. Erikub Atoll E. Hunter Island F. Elephant Island

B. B. Henderson Island

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is located: A. In Geneva B. In The Hague C. In Johannesburg D. In New York E. In Amsterdam

B. B. In The Hague

What was the biggest limitation of the Copenhagen Accord (2009) which included provisions for limiting the average rise in global temperatures to 2 degree Celsius and a commitment by the developed nations to generate $100 billion in additional resources to aid developing countries? A. It set the emissions targets to zero B. It was not legally binding C. It was too far-reaching in its emission targets D. It did not address emissions reductions E. It was based on general consensus

B. B. It was not legally binding

In 2015, the UN's ___________________ expired and were replaced by the ____________________. A. Millennium Development Goals / Green Economy and Poverty Eradication Goals B. Millennium Development Goals / Sustainable Development Goals C. Sustainable Development Goals / Millennium Development Goals D. Millennial Debt-forgiveness Goals / Economic Wellbeing and Happiness Goals E. Millennium Sustainability Goals / Goals for a Sustainable Millennium

B. B. Millennium Development Goals / Sustainable Development Goals

Which of the following countries was one of the first to ban plastic bags country-wide? A. Germany B. Rwanda C. USA D. United Kingdom E. New Zealand

B. B. Rwanda

Outside its focus on air, land, and water quality, the RCII has one stand-alone variable in its "Environmental Sustainability" subdimension, "Environmental Risk Exposure." From the map above you can clearly see that the African and Asian states generally do not do well on this variable. What is its definition (i.e., what is it trying to measure)? A. The Environmental Risk Exposure (ERE) indicator assesses surveys of environmental NGOs on the quality of air, land, and water resources inside the country. B. The Environmental Risk Exposure (ERE) indicator assesses hazards to human health posed by five environmental risk factors: unsafe water, unsafe sanitation, ambient particulate matter pollution, household air pollution from solid fuels, and ambient ozone pollution. C. The Environmental Risk Exposure (ERE) indicator assesses the country's risk of exposure to pollution originating outside its borders. D. The Environmental Risk Exposure (ERE) indicator assesses the chance the country's environment will collapse due to resource overuse.

B. B. The Environmental Risk Exposure (ERE) indicator assesses hazards to human health posed by five environmental risk factors: unsafe water, unsafe sanitation, ambient particulate matter pollution, household air pollution from solid fuels, and ambient ozone pollution.

What makes tidal energy projects so attractive to the renewable energy sector? A. Even though the power of tides can only be harnessed during a full moon, it is nonetheless an important alternative energy source B. The predictability of tidal waves allow for precise understanding of how much energy can be generated at any time C. Large waves produce wind speeds of up to 50 miles an hour and this can be harnessed to power water-based wind mills D. The ebbing and flowing of tides makes for useful, though irregular, power generation, especially because more power is harnessed when the tides come in than when they go out E. The unpredictability of tides allows for large amounts of energy to be generated at moments of high peak energy use

B. B. The predictability of tidal waves allow for precise understanding of how much energy can be generated at any time

How much of the GLOBAL electricity supply comes from alternative energy sources? A. 90% B. 20% C. 5% D. 60% E. 50%

B. B. 20%

Geoengineering is the planned manipulation of Earth's climate to counteract the effects of global warming. Geoengineering can be divided into two main categories: A. Cloud manipulation and solar manipulation B. Carbon dioxide removal and solar radiation management C. CFC removal and solar energy production D. Ocean chemistry manipulation and planting more vegetation E. Ozone layer repair and spraying sulfate particles into the upper atmosphere

B. B. Carbon dioxide removal and solar radiation management

In the radar chart above, three of the most pivotal countries to global environmental concerns are shown across "Environmental Sustainability" and its four main subdimensions. Match the country to the color. Blue Green Orange India United States China

Blue- China Green- United States Orange- India

Which is correct about global warming and climate change (select all that apply; there may be one to four possible correct answers)? A. Global warming refers to changes in ocean levels over time B. Global warming and climate change are the same C. Climate change refers to the consequences of global warming on weather patterns over time D. Global warming refers to Earth's rising temperatures due to increased greenhouse gases E. Climate change refers to Earth's rising ocean temperatures due to increased ocean wildlife

C,D C. Climate change refers to the consequences of global warming on weather patterns over time D. Global warming refers to Earth's rising temperatures due to increased greenhouse gases

What are some of the factors that have contributed to the increase in CO2 emissions since the Paris Accord was signed (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. Economic growth policies that lead to zero emissions B. Use of green technologies C. Complacency due to fact that 2015-17 carbon emission levels had been flat (no increases) D. Use of original energy technologies that continue business as usual E. Global economic growth in general and especially in China and India

C,D,E C. Complacency due to fact that 2015-17 carbon emission levels had been flat (no increases) D. Use of original energy technologies that continue business as usual E. Global economic growth in general and especially in China and India

The following factors show how globalization has helped in promoting human rights (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers): A. Terrorist organizations can more easily target weak states and terrorize populations B. Economically strong MNCs have the ability to avoid social, economic or environmental demands of weaker host countries C. Information technology has made it easier for human rights NGOs to communicate with their stakeholders and put greater pressure on governments to comply with human rights standards D. Due to advances in technology and gains in literacy and education, more people know about human rights E. Social media platforms have allowed people to organize even when governments try to limit free speech and assembly

C,D,E C. Information technology has made it easier for human rights NGOs to communicate with their stakeholders and put greater pressure on governments to comply with human rights standards D. Due to advances in technology and gains in literacy and education, more people know about human rights E. Social media platforms have allowed people to organize even when governments try to limit free speech and assembly

Which of the following are questions that remain unanswered even after the SDGs were adopted (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers)? A. What is the meaning of sustainable development? B. Is poverty eradication an important part of sustainable development? C. Will MDCs carry a greater share of the financial obligations than LDCs? D. Who will decide how much of the financial costs will be taken on by public and how much by private sources? E. How should the roles and responsibilities of implementation be shared between developing and developed states?

C,D,E C. Will MDCs carry a greater share of the financial obligations than LDCs? D. Who will decide how much of the financial costs will be taken on by public and how much by private sources? E. How should the roles and responsibilities of implementation be shared between developing and developed states?

What activities are key to successful intervention by UN human rights workers (think about the example of what the OHCHR staff have been doing in Serbia). (Select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers.) A. Suing states in the International Criminal Court to ensure that rights are protected B. Imposing economic sanctions to punish states for violating human rights C. Encouraging international organizations and local NGOs to put diplomatic and moral pressure on state governments D. Working with state governments at all levels to ensure that rights are protectedMaking contacts with NGOs to make sure that everyone knows about international human rights standards E. Making contacts with NGOs to make sure that everyone knows about international human rights standards F. Suing states in the International Court of Justice to ensure that rights are protected G. Providing legal assistance

C,D,E,G C. Encouraging international organizations and local NGOs to put diplomatic and moral pressure on state governments D. Working with state governments at all levels to ensure that rights are protected E. Making contacts with NGOs to make sure that everyone knows about international human rights standards G. Providing legal assistance

While the MDGs included 8 goals and 21 targets, the SDGs include: A. 10 goals and 17 targets B. 206 goals and 1205 targets C. 17 goals and 169 targets D. 8 goals and 52 targets E. 5 goals and 20 targets

C. C. 17 goals and 169 targets

At which of the following conferences was the UN's Environment Program (UNEP) created? A. 2002 World Earth Summit on Sustainable Development B. 2012 Rio+20 C. 1972 Stockholm Conference D. 1992 Rio Summit E. 2000 Monterrey Conference (Millennium Development Goals)

C. C. 1972 Stockholm Conference

When was the Kyoto Protocol set to expire? A. 2009 B. 1972 C. 2012 D. 1994 E. 1998

C. C. 2012

How many countries abstained from voting on the UDHR in 1948? A. 0 B. 5 C. 8 D. 25 E. 48

C. C. 8

What is the difference between a treaty and a declaration? A. A treaty and a declaration are functionally the same B. A declaration is a legally binding instrument whereas a treaty is a statement of principles C. A treaty is a legally binding instrument whereas a declaration is a statement of principles D. Declarations are documents made by the UN Security Council and treaties are made by the General Assembly E. A treaty and a declaration are both legally unenforceable statements of principle

C. C. A treaty is a legally binding instrument whereas a declaration is a statement of principles

"Water Quality" issues are particularly acute in Africa. Which country ranks as the worst in the world on "Water Quality" in the 2019 RCII? A. Democratic Republic of Congo B. Tanzania C. Burundi D. Ethiopia

C. C. Burundi

By how much has the Earth's average temperature risen since 1900? A. By 16 degrees Fahrenheit B. By 6 degrees Celsius C. By 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit D. By 1.6 degrees Celsius E. By 16 degrees Celsius

C. C. By 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit

Which of the following countries is the leader in renewable energy investment? A. Venezuela B. India C. China D. Germany E. U.S.

C. C. China

For how long has scientific research on carbon dioxide been conducted? A. For about 5 years B. For about 1000 years C. For about 150 years D. For about 500 years E. For about 50 years

C. C. For about 150 years

Universalism is represented by the idea that: A. Human rights are determined by nations or their government and not by some collective body B. Human rights are judged against a local culture C. Human rights are accorded to everyone regardless of citizenship or status D. Human rights have been agreed upon by everyone and are no longer contested E. Human rights are represented by one treaty and that treaty applies to everyone

C. C. Human rights are accorded to everyone regardless of citizenship or status

What action did the UN take in 2015 to push for greater environmental stewardship in its development agenda? A. It adopted the Framework Convention on Climate Change B. It adopted the Goals for a Better Future C. It adopted the Sustainable Development Goals D. It adopted the findings from the Brundtland Commission E. It adopted the Millennium Development Goals

C. C. It adopted the Sustainable Development Goals

What are megacities? A. Metropolitan areas with mega cool living spaces B. Metropolitan areas with 1-5 million people C. Metropolitan areas with more than 10 million people D. Metropolitan areas with at least 200 million people E. Metropolitan areas where the electricity output of urban power stations are measured in megawatts

C. C. Metropolitan areas with more than 10 million people

The hypothetical example used to explain why groups of individuals might overexploit shared environmental resources even when they know that it could be against their long-term interests is known as: A. The "Not In My Backyard" (NIMBY) model B. Resource exploitation C. The Tragedy of the Commons D. Privatization E. The "collective action" model

C. C. The Tragedy of the Commons

The Paris Agreement was successful in as much as it built on commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by, amongst others, both the United States and China. However, it has been criticized for (select all that apply, there are one to four possible correct answers): A. Requiring all states to pledge future reductions in carbon emissions B. Acknowledging the importance of reducing the existing carbon content in the atmosphere C. Focusing on an agreement that was mindful of the 2-degree Celsius threshold D. Lacking mandatory cuts in emissions E. Having cuts that don't go deep enough

D,E D. Lacking mandatory cuts in emissions E. Having cuts that don't go deep enough

Who was responsible for crafting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)? A. NGOs charged with environmental protection B. A combination of states, MNCs, and NGOs concerned with sustainable development C. Governments working together in the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development D. A Group of UN experts under the guidance of the UN Secretary-General E. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

D. D. A Group of UN experts under the guidance of the UN Secretary-General

How much of the UNITED STATES electricity supply is generated by alternative energy sources? A. About 50% B. About 30% C. About 75% D. About 15% E. About 5%

D. D. About 15%

What is a carbon sink? A. A washbasin made out of carbon fiber B. A process whereby carbon molecules have their atoms aligned so that they no longer absorb heat C. A container in which carbon can be washed D. An area that absorbs carbon, such as forests, oceans, or croplands E. An area where carbon is manually buried to keep it from reaching the atmosphere

D. D. An area that absorbs carbon, such as forests, oceans, or croplands

Africa has many of the countries where significant numbers of people lack access to drinking water and improved sanitation. In the table above, which countries stand out as clearly having the worst "Water Access"? A. Nigeria, Liberia, Benin B. Niger, South Sudan, Sudan C. Cameroon, Kenya, Congo Republic D. Chad, Burundi, Kenya

D. D. Chad, Burundi, Kenya

The practice by countries that reduce their emissions below their allotted level to sell their "unused emissions" is called: A. "Profit through emissions reduction" system B. "Cash for gas" exchange system C. Greenhouse gas trade off D. Emissions trading E. CO2 bartering

D. D. Emissions trading

Who was instrumental in ensuring that the phrase "all men are created equal" was replaced with "all human beings are born free and equal"? A. Charles Malik, Lebanon B. René Cassin, France C. Eleanor Roosevelt, U.S.A. D. Hansa Mehta, India E.P.C. Chang, China

D. D. Hansa Mehta, India

Where first-generation rights are often associated with the rights of ________________ people, second and third-generation rights reflect the rights of ________________ people. A. Groups of / individual B. Some / all C. Most / a few D. Individual / groups of E. Majority/minority

D. D. Individual / groups of

The 1997 agreement that contains legally binding emission targets for key greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, is: A. The Copenhagen Accord B. The Paris Accords C. The Montreal Protocol D. The Kyoto Protocol E. The Rio Conference

D. D. The Kyoto Protocol

While negotiated independently of the 1992 Earth Summit, what legally-binding treaties are also associated with the conference in Rio de Janeiro (and sometimes referred to as the Rio Conventions)? A. The International Tropical Timber Agreement and the Antarctic Treaty B. International Covenant on Political and Civil Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights C. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea D. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity

D. D. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity

What apparent tension is part of the concept of sustainable development? A. The tension between environmental health, cultural health, and physical health B. The tension between a population's health and the health of its government C. The tension between governments, populations, and corporations D. The tension between economic health, social health, and ecological health E. The tension between financial markets and shareholder profits

D. D. The tension between economic health, social health, and ecological health

Carbon dioxide represents the highest percentage of total greenhouse gases, accounting for ______________ of the total. A. 5% B. 25% C. 90% D. 50% E. 10%

D. 50%