Question 1

Human beings consist primarily of:

Accepted Answer

Human beings consist primarily of water, making up about 60% of the body weight in adults.

Question 2

According to the Pacific Institute, conflicts over water are:

Accepted Answer

Conflicts over water are rising due to factors like climate change, population growth, and increased demand for water resources, leading to more competition and disputes over water access and management.

Question 3

According to the text, the confirmed death toll of Hurricane Katrina stands at:

Accepted Answer

The confirmed death toll of Hurricane Katrina is 1,836, making it one of the deadliest hurricanes in the history of the United States.

Question 4

Since 1980, the average number of hurricanes has remained about the same, and:

Accepted Answer

The number of severe hurricanes has increased significantly since 1980, even though the overall average number of hurricanes has remained about the same. This trend is consistent with climate change predictions, where warmer ocean temperatures contribute to more intense storms.

Question 5

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans criminal justice system:

Accepted Answer

The New Orleans criminal justice system virtually collapsed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, facing significant challenges including damaged infrastructure, displaced personnel, and a surge in criminal activities.

Question 6

After receiving approximately 150,000 homeless evacuees after Katrina, Houston, Texas, experienced:

Accepted Answer

Following Hurricane Katrina, Houston experienced a notable increase in crime, attributed in part to the influx of evacuees.

Question 7

The second costliest hurricane in U.S. history was:

Accepted Answer

Hurricane Sandy, which struck in October 2012, is the second costliest hurricane in U.S. history, after Hurricane Katrina. Sandy caused widespread destruction across multiple states, particularly in New Jersey and New York, leading to significant financial losses.

Question 8

Hurricane Sandy affected which part of the country:

Accepted Answer

Hurricane Sandy, often referred to as Superstorm Sandy, primarily affected the Northeastern United States, including large areas of New Jersey and New York, in late October 2012.

Question 9

During the five days following Hurricane Sandy, the NYPD noted:

Accepted Answer

During the five days following Hurricane Sandy, the NYPD noted an 86% decrease in homicides.

Question 10

In the aftermath of powerful storms, which country provides an excellent example of the scarcities that drive the Homer-Dixon model?

Accepted Answer

Haiti provides an excellent example of the scarcities that drive the Homer-Dixon model, particularly in the aftermath of powerful storms. The country has faced significant environmental degradation and resource scarcity, which have been exacerbated by natural disasters, leading to social and economic stresses consistent with the model's predictions.

Question 11

Philips (2012) noted that sea-level rise along the northern half of the eastern seaboard is:

Accepted Answer

Philips (2012) observed that the rate of sea-level rise along the northern half of the eastern seaboard is accelerating three to four times faster than the global average.

Question 12

Which section of the United States is known as a "hot spot" for sea level rise?

Accepted Answer

The eastern seaboard of the United States is known as a "hot spot" for sea level rise due to factors such as ocean currents, land ice melt contributing to ocean volume, and land subsidence. This region is experiencing higher rates of sea level rise compared to the global average.

Question 13

According to the text, Las Vegas is currently experiencing a drought that has lasted:

Accepted Answer

Las Vegas has been experiencing a drought for 14 years, highlighting significant environmental and water resource challenges in the region.

Question 14

In 2011, as a result of drought, Texas experienced agricultural losses upwards of:

Accepted Answer

In 2011, Texas faced one of its most severe droughts, leading to agricultural losses estimated at $7.62 billion, making it the most costly drought event in the state's history up to that point.

Question 15

In 2011, China experienced its worst drought in:

Accepted Answer

In 2011, China experienced its worst drought in 50 years, significantly impacting agriculture and water supply in several regions.

Question 16

The 2011 drought in China affected:

Accepted Answer

The 2011 drought in China was severe, affecting 4.4 million people and 3.2 million farm animals, highlighting the extensive impact of natural disasters on human and animal populations.

Question 17

The U.S. government estimates that, as a result of the 2011 East Africa drought, in the space of 90 days:

Accepted Answer

The U.S. government estimates that, as a result of the 2011 East Africa drought, 29,000 children under the age of five died in the space of 90 days. This tragic figure highlights the severe impact of the drought on vulnerable populations.

Question 18

According to the World Bank, how many countries are currently suffering water shortages?

Accepted Answer

As of my last update, the World Bank has reported that around 80 countries are currently suffering from water shortages. This reflects a significant global challenge in terms of access to sufficient and safe water resources for populations around the world.

Question 19

The Ogallala aquifer provides drinking water to:

Accepted Answer

The Ogallala aquifer provides drinking water to approximately 80% of the region it underlies, which spans parts of eight states in the central United States.

Question 20

How much of the global population depends on groundwater supplies for their water?

Accepted Answer

Approximately one-third of the global population relies on groundwater for their water needs, as it is a crucial source for drinking, agriculture, and industrial use.

Quiz 6: The Problems of Water