environmental science // unit 4
Of these sources of greenhouse gases, which produces the least? Industry Agriculture Energy supply Forestry
Agriculture
Which statement about the characteristics of major greenhouse gases is true? Carbon dioxide is one of the most significant greenhouse gases. Automobile usage produces large amounts of methane. Deforestation increases carbon dioxide produced by photosynthesis. The burning of fossil fuels does not produce greenhouse gases.
Carbon dioxide is one of the most significant greenhouse gases.
Which outdoor air pollutant comes from using aerosols? Ozone Chlorofluorocarbons Lead Carbon monoxide
Chlorofluorocarbons
Which of the following best describes the negative impact of nuclear energy? Increased cancer risk due to exposure to benzene additives Water pollution from hydraulic fracturing Damages to plants and wildlife due to reactor leaks Decreased energy production during the night
Damages to plants and wildlife due to reactor leaks
Which of the following is a characteristic of non-renewable energy sources? Produces little or no waste Supplies on Earth are limited Provides 10% of energy in the U.S. Can be replenished in a short time
Supplies on Earth are limited
Cassie pulled the boat onto the ice and adjusted its sails. Once she got started she would be able to steer, change direction and control her speed with a few twists of the ropes. Giving the boat a mighty heave across the ice, Cassie jumped in. What kind of energy will Cassie use to power the boat? Hydroelectric Geothermal Solar Wind
Wind
Which of the following statements about fossil fuels is true? a.) Nuclear energy is an example of a fossil fuel. b.) Fossil fuels are non-renewable because they take millions of years to form. c.) Global demand for fossil fuels is decreasing. d.) Fossil fuels can be replenished within a generation.
b.) Fossil fuels are non-renewable because they take millions of years to form.
Which of the following is a strategy that improves indoor air pollution? a.) Removing HEPA filters to avoid having to clean indoor air. b.) Using air fresheners to clean indoor air. c.) Using fans to increase ventilation inside. d.) Closing windows to prevent outdoor air from coming inside.
c.) Using fans to increase ventilation inside.
Select the example of a natural air pollution source. The cement factory in town has been operating continuously for 25 years. A volcano erupts and spews smoke and ash. A jet flies from Denver to Minneapolis. A truck emits diesel exhaust.
A volcano erupts and spews smoke and ash.
Which of the following is an effect of acid rain? Solar radiation gets trapped in the atmosphere. Respiratory and cardiovascular disorders develop. Forest cover becomes irregular and sparse. More solar radiation enters the atmosphere.
Forest cover becomes irregular and sparse.
Efforts to protect the environment are part of the sustainability movement. Choose the item that is NOT a goal for sustaining the environment. Creating buffer zones where development cannot occur Improving access to clean drinking water Adjusting crop variety and planting seasons Considering climate change issues when building roads
Improving access to clean drinking water
Which statement about the Kyoto Protocol is true? The agreement set goals for emission reductions by 2012. Since signing, global greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 14% Each participating country has the same emission reduction target. The United States signed the agreement in 1997.
The agreement set goals for emission reductions by 2012.
When water released from a reservoir flows through a turbine and activates a generator, what type of renewable energy is being used? a.) Hydroelectrical b.) Geothermal c.) Solar d.) Biomass
a.) Hydroelectrical
Water and land pollution from spills are associated with which of the following non-renewable energy resources? a.) Oil b.) Coal c.) Nuclear energy d.) Natural gas
a.) Oil
Which of the following effects of climate change describes a disruption in ecological processes? a.) Increased solar radiation b.) Animal mating and blooming flowers occur earlier in the year c.) Instability in permafrost and mountainous regions d.) Reduction or changes in arable land
b.) Animal mating and blooming flowers occur earlier in the year
Which of the following actions that governments do would negatively affect the environment? a.) Implement requirements for reducing energy consumption b.) Create technology to enforce rules and regulations c.) Provide grants for activities that will improve the environment d.) Tax substances and activities that are harmful to the environment
b.) Create technology to enforce rules and regulations
Which of the following actions is intended to affect the demand of energy resources in the United States? a.) Provide tax breaks and subsidies to oil companies. b.) Place taxes on gasoline. c.) Provide subsidies for nuclear and fossil fuels d.) Establish an oil reserve in case of future shortages.
b.) Place taxes on gasoline.
Big agriculture turns the land into fields by cutting down trees and running the animals out. Deforestation and habitat fragmentation can lead directly to __________. a.) a decrease in agricultural production b.) an increase in endangered species c.) a decrease in the human population d.) an increase in biodiversity
b.) an increase in endangered species
Human activities that contribute greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere include__________________. a.) using solar fuel and rural sprawl b.) burning fossil fuels and livestock grazing c.) operating with wind power fuel and suburban sprawl d.) utilizing geothermal fuel and abiotic practices
b.) burning fossil fuels and livestock grazing
Examples of mobile sources of outdoor air pollution are __________. a.) forest fires and volcanoes b.) buses and trucks c.) factories and refineries d.) dry cleaners and gas stations
b.) buses and trucks
Which of the following would most likely cause uneven or sparse plant coverage? a.) Greenhouse effect b.) Ozone layer depletion c.) Acid rain d.) Smog
c.) Acid rain
Examples of natural sources of outdoor air pollution are __________. a.) waste incinerators b.) cement factories c.) dust storms d.) motorcycles
c.) dust storms
Piped directly into a building, water from a hot spring is used for heating purposes. This is an example of a ___________ energy source. a.) solar b.) wind c.) hydroelectric d.) geothermal
d.) geothermal
Some environmental risks are involuntary because the actions of others are causing the impact, while others are voluntary because __________. a.) there are multiple impacts b.) there is no impact c.) others are causing the impact d.) the individual is causing the impact
d.) the individual is causing the impact
Which of the following is an involuntary environmental risk? A man goes fishing in a lake known to be contaminated with mercury. A dam breaks, flooding the business area of a small town. Diana opens a business that is located close to a cement factory. Lauren uses paint with lead in it because she cannot find the right color in unleaded paint.
A dam breaks, flooding the business area of a small town.
Which of the following describes a natural source of air pollution? During their vacation, Jim and his family drove their car through several national parks. Diesel exhaust from idling school buses is a concern for some parents. Oil refineries on the Gulf Coast release benzene and other volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere. A dust storm in 1983 dumped 1,000 pounds of topsoil onto the city of Melbourne, Australia.
A dust storm in 1983 dumped 1,000 pounds of topsoil onto the city of Melbourne, Australia.
Which governmental act or agency monitors air quality in the workplace? a.) Occupational Safety and Health Administration b.) Environmental Protection Agency c.) Clean Air Act d.) Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Act
a.) Occupational Safety and Health Administration
What is the main role of the Environmental Protection Agency in regulating air pollution? a.) Monitor air quality in residences b.) Set standards designed to protect public health and welfare c.) List pollutants that could endanger public health d.) Set emission standards for vehicles
b.) Set standards designed to protect public health and welfare
Impacts of the greenhouse effect include ___________. a.) damaged root systems b.) climate change c.) respiratory diseases d.) organ damage
b.) climate change
Environmental risks can be categorized by who is responsible for causing them. In general, the public is more concerned with involuntary risks because __________. a.) the individual makes personal decisions they can control b.) other people's actions are causing the impact c.) there are multiple impacts on the environment d.) there is no known impact on the environment
b.) other people's actions are causing the impact
Benefits of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) include all of the following EXCEPT that __________. decision-makers receive pertinent information before a decision is made business and industry are allowed to self-regulate chances of a project causing environmental harm are reduced public awareness and oversight
business and industry are allowed to self-regulate
Which of the following is NOT a common indoor air pollutant? a.) Lead dust b.) Radon c.) Nitrogen oxide d.) Asbestos
c.) Nitrogen oxide
Alterations in weather is a major area of concern about climate change and can result in ___________. a.) hazardous waste disposal b.) changes in infectious diseases c.) stress on household, industrial and agricultural water supplies d.) plants and animals shift their habitats
c.) stress on household, industrial and agricultural water supplies
Coal is burned to heat a home. What is this non-renewable energy source's possible human or environmental impact? Plant and animal life is harmed when a storage container leaks. Water, air and land pollution affect the surrounding area. Hydraulic fracturing leads to water pollution in the area. A child suffers respiratory problems from particulate matter.
A child suffers respiratory problems from particulate matter.
Joe is explaining the causes of climate change to his son and provides this sequence of events: 1. Solar radiation from the sun is directed at Earth. 2. Some radiation is reflected back from the Earth's surface. 3. Some of this radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases. 4. ______________________________________________ 5. The atmosphere gets warmer. Which statement belongs in Step 4? Methane and carbon dioxide attracts the radiation. Cloud cover and atmospheric moisture dilute the radiation. The radiation is often absorbed into the atmosphere. No radiation escapes into space.
The radiation is often absorbed into the atmosphere.
Choose the statement about renewable and nonrenewable energy sources that is NOT true. There has been little to no recent growth in renewable energy use due to a lack of environmental concerns with the use of fossil fuels. Most nonrenewable energy sources can be renewed, but it takes thousands to millions of years for them to form. New technologies promise future increases in the use of renewable energy sources. Renewable energy creates little or no waste and has few negative environmental impacts.
There has been little to no recent growth in renewable energy use due to a lack of environmental concerns with the use of fossil fuels.
Climate change has many impacts. What is an impact of melting ice caps and glaciers? Rainfall patterns are altered in an agricultural community. Deer give birth before food is plentiful in the forest. Changes in temperature bring new agricultural pests. Water supply is threatened in a mountain valley.
Water supply is threatened in a mountain valley.
The careful use of natural resources is a sustainability factor. Which of the following actions is an example of this in practice? a.) A company's green building strategy includes utilizing low-flow water valves. b.) A company's expansion requires the clearing of woodland acres for building. c.) A company provides a forum for people to exchange and reuse goods. d.) A company offers solutions for cities coping with rapid urban growth.
a.) A company's green building strategy includes utilizing low-flow water valves.
Which of the following is an example of an involuntary risk? a.) An industry emits pollutants into the air and water. b.) A man burns leaves in his backyard. c.) A woman smokes her whole adult life. d.) A store owner uses toxic pesticides to get rid of flies.
a.) An industry emits pollutants into the air and water.
The __________ establishes limits for stationary and mobile sources of air pollution. a.) Clean Air Act b.) Environmental Protection Agency c.) Occupational Safety and Health Administration d.) Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Act
a.) Clean Air Act
Which of the following statements about the history of climate change on Earth is true? a.) Current climate change is largely due to increases in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. b.) At the end of the last Ice Age, the global temperature was around 25 degrees cooler than it is today. c.) Changes in the Earth's atmosphere today are relatively large compared to atmospheric changes on early Earth. d.) In the past, these temperature changes have been sudden and species did not have the time to adapt.
a.) Current climate change is largely due to increases in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Select the FALSE statement about indoor air pollution. a.) Decreasing circulation reduces indoor air pollution. b.) It can come from mobile, stationary and natural sources. c.) It involves exposure to household air pollutants. d.) Inefficient burning of combustibles is a common example.
a.) Decreasing circulation reduces indoor air pollution.
Which of the following is a characteristic of non-renewable energy sources? a.) Provides approximately 90% of world energy b.) Many depend on the sun and wind c.) Tends to be unlimited in supply d.) Has a low impact on the environment
a.) Provides approximately 90% of world energy
What does NEPA require the government to do when considering an environmental issue? a.) Report findings to the public before taking any actions b.) Forbid activities that may harm the environment c.) Identify the favorable impacts on the environment that can be avoided d.) Complete a risk assessment
a.) Report findings to the public before taking any actions
What do environmental scientists predict will happen over the next 200 years? a.) Scientists predict the global temperature will increase by 2.5 to 10 degrees over the next century. b.) 90% of Earth's species will be decimated in the next 100 to 150 years. c.) The world's rainforests will vanish in 200 years at the current rate of deforestation. d.) The air will become unbreathable for 30% of people on Earth within 100 years.
a.) Scientists predict the global temperature will increase by 2.5 to 10 degrees over the next century.
One goal of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol was to limit greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels by the year __________. a.) 2002 b.) 2012 c.) 2050 d.) 2020
b.) 2012
Governments, businesses and individuals can all make contributions to improving the environment. Which of the following actions that people do on an individual basis would be the least effective? a.) Buy locally-produced foods b.) Enforce behavior changes in others c.) Limit the number of children they have d.) Recycle, reuse and reduce waste
b.) Enforce behavior changes in others
Choose the action that is associated with the sustainability factor of reducing waste. a.) Bruce's company powers its facilities with renewable energy sources. b.) Jocelyn's company uses recycled office products. c.) Tom's company provides education and contraception to women in developing countries. d.) Michelle's company promotes local businesses and farming.
b.) Jocelyn's company uses recycled office products.
Which of the following is a prediction for the future of the environment? a.) Over half of the world's land mass will be desert by the year 2050. b.) Loss of forests will have a critical impact on climate change. c.) It will become easier to access the remaining fossil fuels. d.) Global temperature decreases will lead to more extreme weather patterns.
b.) Loss of forests will have a critical impact on climate change.
The loss of glaciers is an issue associated with climate change. Which of the following is a possible direct result of this issue? a.) Flooding in mountainous regions b.) Many inland communities will not have a water source c.) Altered agricultural practices and timing d.) Loss of coastal habitats and associated decrease in biodiversity
b.) Many inland communities will not have a water source
Which of the following statements does NOT reflect NEPA requirements? a.) List unavoidable negative impacts when considering environmental projects b.) Provide a formal Senate hearing to approve federal projects c.) Name the required resources for a proposed project d.) Consider and evaluate possible alternatives for federal projects
b.) Provide a formal Senate hearing to approve federal projects
Which of the following statements corresponds to renewable energy sources? a.) Tends to be limited in supply b.) Replenishes in a relatively short time period c.) Becomes increasingly condensed over time d.) Takes thousands to millions of years to form
b.) Replenishes in a relatively short time period
Which of the following is the least effective action individuals and families can take to protect the environment? a.) Be cognizant of how they dispose of household waste b.) Donate to, or volunteer at, non-profit environmental protection agencies c.) Buy from businesses that practice greenwashing d.) Educate themselves on local and global environmental issues
c.) Buy from businesses that practice greenwashing
Which of the following is a scientific observation that supports the idea of a warming planet? a.) Earth's climate depends on the amount of plant and animal life. b.) Earth has been warming up slower than any other historical global temperature increase. c.) Historically, the earth's climate cycles between warmer and cooler periods. d.) There have only been warmer periods throughout Earth's history.
c.) Historically, the earth's climate cycles between warmer and cooler periods.
Which human activity does NOT contribute large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere? a.) Urban sprawl b.) Raising of livestock c.) No-till farming d.) Burning of fossil fuels
c.) No-till farming
Which of the following is NOT an impact associated with obtaining and using coal? a.) Water supply contamination b.) Air pollution from burning c.) Urban sprawl d.) Acid rain from sulfur dioxide
c.) Urban sprawl
Which of the following is a predicted change based on current environmental issues? a.) Overexploitation of species will cease due to public demands. b.) Air quality will continue to worsen, triggering mass migrations. c.) Water pollution levels will increase in both fresh and salt water. d.) The Arctic Circle will remain frozen during the summer months.
c.) Water pollution levels will increase in both fresh and salt water.
Urban development is connected to several environmental issues including _________________. a.) burning of fossil fuels, raised temperatures and melting glaciers b.) changes in land use, deforestation and endangered species c.) a large amount of waste, increase in water pollution and decreased ecosystem health d.) increased greenhouse gases, climate change and alterations in the global weather patterns
c.) a large amount of waste, increase in water pollution and decreased ecosystem health
Policies in the United States to reduce energy demands include _____________. a.) tax credits for increased oil consumption and taxes on using hydrothermal energy b.) tax credits for home recreation and taxes on low fuel consuming automobiles c.) tax credits for home insulation and taxes on high fuel consuming automobiles d.) tax credits for increased greenhouse gas production and taxes on using solar energy
c.) tax credits for home insulation and taxes on high fuel consuming automobiles
An increase in __________ in the atmosphere leads to increased global temperatures. carbon dioxide nitrogen argon oxygen
carbon dioxide
Respiratory and cardiovascular damage is most likely caused by ___________. a.) climate change b.) ozone layer depletion c.) acid rain d.) particulate matter
cardiovascular
Which of the following is an example of a biomass energy source? a.) Lamps on an outside deck absorb light during the day and light the deck at night. b.) A boat raises a sail and moves smoothly across the lake. c.) Ancient Romans built water wheels to grind grain to make bread. d.) A camper builds a cooking fire using sticks and dry moss.
d.) A camper builds a cooking fire using sticks and dry moss.
Which of the following actions addresses the consideration of population issues as a focus of sustainability? a.) Mary tests the soil in an abandoned lot to see if it is suitable for a community garden. b.) A farmer selects crops that will grow well in his region so that he does not have to use fertilizer. c.) John takes the bus to and from work four days and has convinced his boss to let him work from home on the fifth day. d.) A city planner recommends setting land use policies that place limitations on types of development on the outskirts of the city.
d.) A city planner recommends setting land use policies that place limitations on types of development on the outskirts of the city.
Carbon dioxide and methane are two of the worst greenhouse gases. Which of the following statements is specific to methane? a.) Deforestation has reduced the amount of this gas that can be absorbed. b.) The burning of fossil fuels is the major human activity that leads to this gas. c.) This is the greenhouse gas that humans produce in the greatest volume. d.) Current agriculture practices increase the amount of this gas.
d.) Current agriculture practices increase the amount of this gas.
Which of the following non-renewable energy resources causes damage to both plants and wildlife if a reactor leaks? a.) Coal b.) Oil c.) Natural gas d.) Nuclear energy
d.) Nuclear energy
Which of the following actions is NOT required under NEPA? a.) Name resources required for projects b.) Evaluate possible alternatives c.) Report to the public d.) Reduction of energy consumption
d.) Reduction of energy consumption
Which of the following is a goal of supply-related policies? a.) Vehicles that use a lot of fuel are taxed. b.) Efficiency standards for federal buildings are implemented. c.) The focus is on increased efficiency. d.) The free market should be allowed to determine the energy sources used.
d.) The free market should be allowed to determine the energy sources used.
Of the options below, which is used by scientists as evidence of man-made climate change? a.) The growing number of endangered species b.) The descending sea levels c.) The steep increase in the incidence and severity of skin cancer d.) The melting of glaciers and polar ice caps
d.) The melting of glaciers and polar ice caps
All human impacts on the environment, such as the depletion of natural resources, are significantly worsened by __________. climate change air and water pollution agricultural practices human population growth
human population growth
The planet has always had hot and cold ages, but what's different about this global warming is that it is __________. directly linked to increases in air and water pollution having a significant impact on the extinction of species occurring faster than any recorded temperature increase in history proven to be a result of human activities
occurring faster than any recorded temperature increase in history
The U.S. policy toward energy supply and demand has included all of the following EXCEPT __________. preventing the free market from determining which energy sources to use providing subsidies for oil seeking to increase fuel supplies adopting some policies to reduce energy demands
preventing the free market from determining which energy sources to use
Choose the action that is NOT associated with the sustainability movement. A farmer replaces aging water infrastructures on his farm to ensure long-term access to safe drinking water. A young woman finds a place to live very near to her downtown office building and walks or cycles to work each day. A homeowner tends trees in his yard to ensure they will provide maximum benefits for future generations. A restaurant in a large U.S. city imports truffles from France to support international trade.
A restaurant in a large U.S. city imports truffles from France to support international trade.
Which example is a renewable energy source? John fills the gas tank on his car twice a week. A cement manufacturer burns coal to produce electricity. Natural gas powers a home heating system. A strong breeze quickly dries laundry hanging outside.
A strong breeze quickly dries laundry hanging outside.
Industry, forestry and energy production are top sources of greenhouse gases. Of the remaining sources listed below, which produces the greatest amount of greenhouse gases? Water and wastewater Residential and commercial buildings Agriculture Transportation
Agriculture
Select one of the following future impacts that is NOT a long-term effect of deforestation. Habitat loss for millions of species More extreme temperature swings More greenhouse gases in the atmosphere An increase in oxygen
An increase in oxygen
What is a purpose of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)? Regulate indoor air pollution at work places Set national air quality standards, among other things Study how the environment affects people in order to promote healthier lives Assess global impacts and risks of climate change
Assess global impacts and risks of climate change
Burning fossil fuels leads to air pollution, which leads to _________, an alteration of regional and global weather patterns that impact every single person on Earth. a.) acid rain b.) climate change c.) smog d.) UV radiation
Burning fossil fuels leads to air pollution, which leads to _________, an alteration of regional and global weather patterns that impact every single person on Earth. a.) acid rain b.) climate change c.) smog d.) UV radiation
Which statement about the characteristics of major greenhouse gases is true? Current agricultural practices have reduced methane in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is the result of both natural and human sources. Population growth plays a minor role in the production of greenhouse gases. The amount of greenhouse gases has decreased since the Industrial Revolution.
Carbon dioxide is the result of both natural and human sources.
Examples of stationary sources of outdoor air pollution are __________. a.) lightning b.) volcano eruptions c.) landfills d.) cruise ships
Examples of stationary sources of outdoor air pollution are __________. a.) lightning b.) volcano eruptions c.) landfills d.) cruise ships
Choose the action that is associated with harvesting natural resources sustainability. Family planning resources are made more freely available. Farmers practice erosion control. A city votes to increase mass transit options. Buffer zones are created near the coast to address sea level rise.
Farmers practice erosion control.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires the federal government to do all of the following EXCEPT which option? Consider possible negative effects on the environment Forbid activities that may potentially harm the environment Inform the public about actions that may affect the environment Evaluate other options for government projects concerning the environment
Forbid activities that may potentially harm the environment
Choose the statement that accurately describes natural gas. Fracking has expanded access to methane that occurs naturally in underground pockets. It is widely used to heat water boilers, the steam from which drives a turbine that produces electricity. This liquid energy source has a number of different uses, from fuel to plastics. Use of this energy source relies upon mined minerals and heat from radioactive decay.
Fracking has expanded access to methane that occurs naturally in underground pockets.
A new business in Alaska pumps 360-degree fluids from the earth into a tank held at a low pressure, which causes the fluids to immediately turn into steam that drives a generator. This is an example of using which of the following types of energy? Natural gas Geothermal Hydroelectrical Biomass
Geothermal
Julie sighed and closed her textbook. She was convinced. "Wow, global warming really is real," she said to her roommate. "What?" yawned Elena. "Nah, I don't think so. Doomsayers are always going on about that." Julie opened the textbook again. "Look at this photograph of glaciers. Look at how much has melted in just the last 50 years." Elena glanced at the photo without much interest. "Glaciers are like miles and miles of ice. Not enough of them is going to melt to make a difference." Choose the best response to Elena's assertion from the options below. Sea levels have always been on the rise. Sea levels fluctuate for many years. Glaciers melt and re-form without affecting sea levels. Glacial melt and rising sea levels are directly linked.
Glacial melt and rising sea levels are directly linked.
Which statement below about the Clean Air Act is true? The Clean Air Act set performance standards for stationary, mobile and natural sources of air pollution. Greenhouse gases were determined to be air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. It is suggested by the Clean Air Act that the Environmental Protection Agency lists dangerous pollutants. Automobile manufacturers were required to reduce emissions by 75% under the Clean Air Act.
Greenhouse gases were determined to be air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.
Which of the following statements about connections between human activities and environmental damage is NOT true? Farming fragments natural habitats and can lead to endangered species. Urban sprawl increases solid waste produced, which can lead to water pollution. Burning coal produces air pollution that contributes to climate change. Human population growth has created more non-renewable energy sources.
Human population growth has created more non-renewable energy sources.
The United States' approach to energy supply and demand is to do which of the following? Increase supply and make efforts toward better efficiency Decrease supply and offer tax credits for businesses to become more energy efficient Maintain a steady supply and subsidize renewable forms of energy Keep a supply in reserve and tax the oil companies
Increase supply and make efforts toward better efficiency
Which effect of climate change will have a negative impact on human health? Infectious microbes spread into places where they were previously absent. Warming temperatures disrupt the growing season and crop planting. Temperate forests experience a net loss in biodiversity. Unexpected flooding or droughts bring new challenges to food producers.
Infectious microbes spread into places where they were previously absent.
Select the statement that is NOT true about the U.N. framework for the Kyoto Protocol. It discourages free trade until policies are in place. It states that richer and more developed countries should lead the way in cutting emissions. It states not to wait for scientific proof before taking action. It keeps costs in mind and finds solutions that are practical and affordable.
It discourages free trade until policies are in place.
Although nuclear energy is not based on fossil fuels, why is it considered a non-renewable energy source? It is not a process that occurs naturally on the planet. It is dependent on a limited, mined mineral. It takes hundreds to thousands of years to break down its byproducts. It can only be used for brief periods of time without causing environmental damage.
It is dependent on a limited, mined mineral.
Which of the following statements is true considering the future of living resources on Earth? It is inherently difficult for scientists to predict long-term environmental impacts. The overexploitation of plant and animal species has been largely corrected. Few of the large mammals on Earth are threatened, but many birds and reptiles are. Technology has already been developed that will help scientists mitigate future concerns.
It is inherently difficult for scientists to predict long-term environmental impacts.
Select the statement that accurately describes the Energy Policy Act of 1992. It requires the Environmental Protection Agency to list pollutants that may endanger public health or welfare. It requires the government to research and use alternative fuels as well as to set goals for greenhouse gas reductions. It requires the federal government to identify unavoidable negative impacts to the environment. It requires the Department of Energy to establish a reserve of oil in order to avoid future shortages and to increase fuel efficiency.
It requires the government to research and use alternative fuels as well as to set goals for greenhouse gas reductions.
Which of the following is the least effective action individuals and families can take to protect the environment? Educating themselves on community and global environmental issues Monitoring and enforcing regulations Limiting the number of children they have Choosing products and services from green companies
Monitoring and enforcing regulations
Choose the statement below that is NOT true regarding outdoor air pollution sources in the United States. Approximately half of man-made air pollution emissions come from stationary sources. Natural sources of air pollution, such as forest fire and volcanoes, account for the majority of chlorofluorocarbon emissions. Highway vehicles and other mobile sources contribute about 60% of national carbon monoxide emissions. Power plants contribute the majority of the sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere.
Natural sources of air pollution, such as forest fire and volcanoes, account for the majority of chlorofluorocarbon emissions.
Although there is no single solution to environmental issues, governments, businesses and individuals can all adopt environmentally friendly policies. Which of the following is the least effective action that individuals and families can take to protect the environment? Gain environmental literacy Offer incentives to buy green appliances Limit family size Purchase green cleaning products
Offer incentives to buy green appliances
Which of the following statements describes an involuntary environmental risk? Individuals reduce this risk by changing their behavior. The willingness to accept this type of risk depends on the benefits it offers. People are more concerned about this type of risk. Governments cannot regulate this type of risk.
People are more concerned about this type of risk.
Select the energy source that is renewable. Atoms of uranium are split to produce nuclear energy. Reservoirs release water to flow through pipes and spin turbines that produce electricity. Oil is burned to produce steam that is used to generate electricity for power plants. Power plants convert coal into steam to produce electricity.
Reservoirs release water to flow through pipes and spin turbines that produce electricity.
Which statement about the Clean Air Act is FALSE? Lead was added to the list of pollutants under the Clean Air Act in 1987. The Clean Air Act requires the Environmental Protection Agency to list dangerous pollutants. The Clean Air Act sets limits for both stationary and mobile sources of air pollution. Smog is one of the air pollutants listed under the original Clean Air Act in 1970.
Smog is one of the air pollutants listed under the original Clean Air Act in 1970.
Which of the following defines "particulate matter"? A mixture of automobile exhaust, moisture and sunlight A condition in the atmosphere that absorbs radiation and traps heat Smoke, dirt and dust from factories A form of precipitation with high levels of nitric and sulfuric acids
Smoke, dirt and dust from factories
Select the statement below that describes environmental sustainability and its goals. Sustainability aims to conserve natural resources, reverse the impacts of pollution and protect endangered species for future generations. Sustainability is a movement that concentrates on the creation of renewable energy sources to replace non-renewable energy resources as they are depleted. Sustainability creates and maintains conditions under which humans and the environment can productively co-exist for present and future generations. Sustainability primarily focuses on containing human population growth so that the environment can continue to support all the people on Earth today and in the future.
Sustainability creates and maintains conditions under which humans and the environment can productively co-exist for present and future generations.
