A Quiz on Global Warming and Climate Change
Climate change, more commonly known as global warming, is caused by the emission of heat-trapping gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2). These heat-trapping gases, also called greenhouse gases, are largely produced by the consumption of fossil fuels and deforestation.
This quiz tests your knowledge of how every day activities influence our climate.
A Quick Primer on Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
A metric ton is equal to 1000 kilograms or 2205 pounds. A metric ton of CO2 is emitted when you:
- Travel 4,000 miles in an airplane
- Drive 1,350 miles in a large sport utility vehicle
- Travel 17,000 miles by inter-city bus
- Drive 6,000 miles in a hybrid gasoline-electric car
- Run your central air conditioning for 330 hours
- Have your computer on for 10,600 hours
- Cut down and burn a tree that was about one foot in diameter
1. What are the annual per capita emissions of greenhouse gases for an average person in the U.S.?
A. 5 metric tons of CO2 equivalent
B. 10 metric tons of CO2 equivalent
C. 15 metric tons of CO2 equivalent
D. 24.2 metric tons of CO2 equivalent
2. Using cleaner energy sources and reducing consumption results in fewer emissions. Among developed countries, there can be very different levels of emissions. What are the per capita emissions of the average person in Spain?
A. 8.8 metric tons of CO2 equivalent
B. 11 metric tons of CO2 equivalent
C. 20.7 metric tons of CO2 equivalent
D. 22.9 metric tons of CO2 equivalent
3. Some countries produce fewer emissions because they are less well developed. What are the per capita emissions of the average person in India?
A. Zero
B. 1.8 metric tons of CO2 equivalent
C. 8.8 metric tons of CO2 equivalent
D. 12 metric tons of CO2 equivalent
4. Americans make up a little less than 5% of the world population. U.S. annual greenhouse gas emissions represent what percentage of the world total?
A. 5%
B. 15%
C. 21%
D. 33%
5. What percentage of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are generated by individuals powering their homes?
A. 5%
B. 18%
C. 24%
D. 33%
6. Unless you bike or walk to work, you're burning gasoline as you make your commute to work. What percentage of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are generated by individuals using personal transportation?
A. 5%
B. 10%
C. 16%
D. 33%
Keep scrolling down for answers -- no peeking!
Answers:
1. D; 2. A; 3. B; 4. C; 5. B; 6. C
What You Can Do to Help Prevent Climate Change
Don't forget! There are many things one can do on an individual level to address the threat of climate change, such as:
- Install energy-efficient light bulbs
- Drive a fuel-efficient car
- Help protect and restore forests
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Comments: 7
thanks jon for the info. great dog you have!
That would mean that if we all STOPPED personal emissions tonight at midnight the country would just barely meet the Kyoto goals, while we sat in dark houses and walked.
So, my point being, that it looks like an awful lot more should be done about the other (guessing here low), 60% of emitters in this country.
btw, all I use is spiral florescents and tubes, my ford escort gets 32 mpg in the city and better than half of my acre here is in trees.
Conservation must start at home with baby steps. Now if we could identify those who are responsible for more emissions, we can at least try to boycot certain products or services.