Question 1

The human health problems closely associated with ozone depletion include an increased incidence of heart disease.

Accepted Answer

The human health problems closely associated with ozone depletion primarily include an increased incidence of skin cancer, cataracts, and potentially weakened immune systems, rather than heart disease.

Question 2

Damage to the ecological structure and function of lakes because of deeper penetration of UV light into the water occurs because of a synergistic interaction among ozone depletion, acid deposition, and global warming.

Accepted Answer

Deeper penetration of UV light into the water due to ozone depletion, acid deposition, and global warming can harm the ecological structure and function of lakes because of their synergistic interaction.

Question 3

Rising sea levels, increasing cloud cover, and air pollution will decrease climate change.

Accepted Answer

Rising sea levels and increasing cloud cover are both consequences of climate change, not factors that can decrease it. Air pollution also contributes to climate change and therefore cannot decrease it.

Question 4

To help protect the ozone layer, individuals should avoid purchasing products that contain CFCs.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true because CFCs are a group of chemicals that are known to harm the ozone layer. By avoiding purchasing products that contain CFCs, individuals can help reduce their impact on the environment and protect the ozone layer.

Question 5

Scientists believe that rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are contributing to global warming, but cannot discern to what extent and with what ramifications.

Accepted Answer

While scientists agree that rising levels of greenhouse gases are contributing to global warming, the exact extent and ramifications are still being studied and debated.

Question 6

The ozone hole is a reduction in concentrations of ozone that occurs in the stratosphere high above the Earth.

Accepted Answer

The ozone hole refers to a reduction in concentrations of ozone in the stratosphere, primarily over Antarctica, caused by human-made compounds such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

Question 7

The world's economies are not affected by the effects of climate change.

Accepted Answer

Climate change can have significant economic impacts, including damage to infrastructure, crops, and tourism industries, as well as increased costs for mitigation and adaptation measures. Additionally, extreme weather events such as hurricanes and droughts can disrupt supply chains and affect global trade.

Question 8

UV-A rays can easily be blocked by window glass.

Accepted Answer

UV-A rays can penetrate most types of glass, including window glass.

Question 9

In 1987, 36 nations met in Montreal, Canada and developed the Montreal Protocol to reduce production of CFCs.

Accepted Answer

This is a true statement. The Montreal Protocol was developed in 1987 by representatives from 36 countries who met in Montreal, Canada, with the goal of reducing and eventually phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

Question 10

A single chlorine atom can convert as many as 1 000 ozone molecules to molecular oxygen molecules.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A single chlorine atom can convert as...

Question 11

In the stratosphere, ambient temperature increases with altitude due to the absorption of UV light by oxygen and ozone.

Accepted Answer

The absorption of UV light by oxygen and ozone in the stratosphere results in an increase in temperature with altitude.

Question 12

The lack of sodium in the lower stratosphere leads to the conclusion that chlorine from the evaporation of sea spray does not play a large role in ozone depletion.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true as the lack of sodium in the lower stratosphere indicates that chlorine molecules derived from sea spray are not present in large quantities, and therefore do not contribute significantly to ozone depletion.

Question 13

The highest UV index readings in Canada usually occur in the months of August and September.

Accepted Answer

The highest UV index readings in Canada usually occur in June and July, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.

Question 14

CFCs are released into the atmosphere by spray cans, discarded refrigerators, and leaky air conditioners.

Accepted Answer

CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are commonly released into the atmosphere by spray cans, refrigerators, and air conditioners. This is because these products often contain or use CFCs as a refrigerant or propellant. Once released into the atmosphere, CFCs can rise to the stratosphere where they react with ozone, leading to its depletion.

Question 15

Mankind's use of renewable energy will lessen the effects of human activities on climate change.

Accepted Answer

Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, which cause climate change. By relying more on renewable energy, we can reduce our carbon footprint and lessen the impact of human activities on climate change.

Question 16

Increases in ultraviolet radiation will cause an increase in the incidence of skin cancers and eye cataracts, and will suppress the human immune system.

Accepted Answer

Ultraviolet radiation can damage DNA in skin cells and lead to mutations that can result in skin cancer. It can also damage proteins in the eyes, leading to cataracts. Additionally, prolonged exposure to UV radiation can suppress the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to infections and diseases.

Question 17

The fact that increased rates of skin cancer may not become apparent until 15 to 40 years after ozone depletion has occurred illustrates the concept of lag time.

Accepted Answer

Lag time refers to the delay between the cause of an effect and the appearance of that effect. In the case of skin cancer and ozone depletion, it may take many years for the long-term effects of increased exposure to UV radiation to manifest as increased rates of skin cancer.

Question 18

Climate change affects the entire planet and will be long-term.

Accepted Answer

Climate change is a global phenomenon that affects the entire planet and its effects will be long-term.

Question 19

A warmer atmosphere is beneficial to wildlife habitats and plant species because of the increased temperature and productivity.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A warmer atmosphere is beneficial to wildlife...

Question 20

The United States, China, and Russia-three of the world's major greenhouse gas emitters-agreed in 2001 to participate in a cap-and-trade program to slow global warming.

Accepted Answer

This statement is not true. While several cap-and-trade proposals have been introduced in the United States, and China has implemented pilot programs, there has not been a global cap-and-trade agreement that includes all three countries.

Quiz 21: Climate Change and Ozone Loss