In a conversation with her friends, Dana was asked to give an example of an environmental tipping point. Which of the following would she offer?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The melting of permafrost in Siberia is an example of an environmental tipping point because it could potentially release large amounts of greenhouse gases (such as methane) that have been trapped in the frozen soil for thousands of years. Once released, these gases could contribute to further global warming, creating a feedback loop that amplifies the initial warming effect. This could have significant impacts on the global climate and ecosystems. The other options do not necessarily represent tipping points, as they describe either isolated incidents (A) or positive developments (D) that do not necessarily mark a critical turning point for the environment. While methane from global warming (C) could also contribute to a feedback loop, this option is less specific than Option B in terms of identifying a specific environmental tipping point.

In a Conversation with Her Friends, Dana Was Asked to Give