Question 1

"Sustainable" economic development means development that __________.
A)can serve as the sole basis for industrial economies
B)is supported by the domestic economy and does not involve international trade
C)is popular with citizens and does not threaten the stability of the government
D)uses resources in a way that gives them a chance to replenish

Accepted Answer

Sustainable economic development means using resources in a way that allows them to replenish, ensuring that future generations will also have access to these resources. Choices A and B are incorrect because sustainable development is not necessarily the sole basis for industrial economies, and it can involve international trade. Choice C is also incorrect because the popularity of a development strategy and government stability do not necessarily relate to its sustainability.

Question 2

Rain forests __________.
A)are home to as many as half the world's total species and slow down global warming
B)exist primarily in wealthy states
C)are frequently protected from agricultural use
D)are located within the borders of states and are therefore domestic private goods rather than collective goods

Accepted Answer

Rain forests are known for their incredible biodiversity, with as many as half the world's total species calling them home. In addition, they play an important role in slowing down global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Question 3

The "tragedy of the commons" metaphor suggests that __________.
A)national interests should be defined in zero-sum terms
B)the pursuit of self-interest will result in the greatest good for the greatest number
C)solutions to national problems will lead automatically to the solution of international problems
D)if individuals act out of short-term self-interest,all may suffer in the long run

Accepted Answer

The "tragedy of the commons" metaphor suggests that if individuals act out of short-term self-interest, all may suffer in the long run. This means that if everyone pursues their own interests without considering the common good, it can lead to negative consequences for everyone.

Question 4

What state currently dominates the world in the production of solar panels?
A)United States
B)Norway
C)United Kingdom
D)China

Accepted Answer

China currently dominates the world in the production of solar panels, producing approximately 70% of the world's solar panels.

Question 5

In the 1980s,the __________ on CFCs was the most important success in international negotiations to protect the global environment to date.
A)Copenhagen Convention
B)Earth Summit
C)Kyoto Protocol
D)Montreal Protocol

Accepted Answer

The Montreal Protocol, agreed to in 1987, was a landmark international agreement to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, particularly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). This was a significant success in global environmental negotiations and has been credited with helping to protect the Earth's ozone layer.

Question 6

As early as the late 1980s,states had much more success in negotiating agreements and developing regimes to manage the ozone layer than __________.
A)increased levels of whaling
B)deforestation
C)melting of the polar ice caps
D)global warming

Accepted Answer

States had more success in managing the ozone layer than in addressing global warming, as global warming involves more complex and widespread economic and political challenges.

Question 7

Which of the following is the greenhouse gas that accounts for most of global warming?
A)carbon dioxide
B)methane
C)chlorofluorocarbons
D)nitrous oxide

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide is the greenhouse gas that accounts for most of global warming. It is responsible for roughly 75% of the warming effect, due to the large amounts of it that are emitted from human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and cement production. While methane, chlorofluorocarbons, and nitrous oxide are also greenhouse gases, they do not have as significant of an impact on global warming as carbon dioxide.

Question 8

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)are a major contributor to the destruction of __________.
A)carbon dioxide
B)the ozone layer
C)tropical tuna
D)healthy soils

Accepted Answer

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are known to contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. As the ozone layer thins, more radiation enters the atmosphere, which can lead to a range of environmental and health problems.

Question 9

Nonterritorial waters are called __________.
A)open ocean
B)high seas
C)unclaimed seas
D)disputed waters

Accepted Answer

Nonterritorial waters are referred to as high seas or international waters. These are areas of the ocean that do not belong to any particular country and are not subject to any state's jurisdiction.

Question 10

The first UN conference on the international environment took place in __________ in __________.
A)Seattle,Washington,1969
B)Stockholm,Sweden,1972
C)Geneva,Switzerland,1978
D)Nairobi,Kenya,1982

Accepted Answer

The first UN conference on the international environment took place in Stockholm, Sweden in 1972.

Question 11

Why was the U.S.Clean Air Act revised in 1997?
A)to put stricter rules in place
B)to allow for fair competition from Venezuela and Brazil
C)to act as a nontariff barrier from competing industries in other states
D)to appease environmental groups

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why was the U.S.Clean Air Act revised...

Question 12

Air pollution and water pollution are more often __________ problems than __________ problems.
A)global,bilateral
B)global,unilateral
C)regional,global
D)long-term,short-term

Accepted Answer

Air pollution and water pollution are mostly regional problems that affect a specific area or community rather than a global problem that affects everyone equally. While they can have some global impact, their effects are primarily limited to specific regions. Additionally, addressing air and water pollution often requires regional solutions, such as improving local infrastructure or changing local regulations, rather than global cooperation.

Question 13

The 1992 Earth Summit took place in which country?
A)Sweden
B)Switzerland
C)Kenya
D)Brazil

Accepted Answer

The 1992 Earth Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Question 14

Which country has been most reluctant to agree to a treaty calling for specific reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by a certain target date?
A)Germany
B)Ukraine
C)Japan
D)United States

Accepted Answer

The United States has been the most reluctant country to agree to a treaty calling for specific reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by a certain target date. The U.S. has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, which calls for countries to reduce their emissions to limit global temperature increase to 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Many have criticized the U.S. for not doing enough to address climate change.

Question 15

The most common cause of the extinction of species is __________.
A)overhunting
B)disease
C)overfishing
D)loss of habitat

Accepted Answer

Loss of habitat is the most common cause of extinction because it disrupts an organism's ability to survive and reproduce. When habitat is destroyed or altered, organisms may not have the resources they need to survive, such as food, water, and shelter. This can lead to declines in population size and ultimately extinction. Overhunting, disease, and overfishing can also lead to extinction, but they are not as common as loss of habitat.

Question 16

The metaphor known as the "tragedy of the commons" is widely used to explain the impact of human behavior on __________ systems.
A)political
B)ecological
C)social
D)economic

Accepted Answer

The "tragedy of the commons" metaphor is commonly used to describe the negative impact of human behavior on ecological systems, such as the overuse or depletion of shared resources like fish populations or forests. It highlights the consequences of individuals pursuing their own self-interest without regard for the greater common good, leading to the degradation of the environment and harm to society as a whole.

Question 17

In its drive for rapid economic growth,Beijing had smog levels in early 2013 that were far above levels considered dangerous,and its citizens who went outside experienced burning lungs and stinging eyes.This illustrates the debate over __________.
A)sustainable development
B)the ozone layer
C)collective goods
D)the UN Environment Program

Accepted Answer

The situation in Beijing is a clear example of the conflict between economic growth and environmental sustainability. It highlights the need for sustainable development that balances economic growth with environmental protection. The ozone layer, collective goods, and the UN Environment Program are not directly related to the issue of smog and air pollution in Beijing.

Question 18

The major emitters of greenhouse gases today are __________.
A)industrialized countries
B)countries in the global South
C)countries of the former Soviet Union
D)Eastern European countries

Accepted Answer

Industrialized countries have historically been the major emitters of greenhouse gases, and continue to be the largest emitters today. This is because they have developed economies that rely heavily on fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and manufacturing. Developing countries in the global South and Eastern Europe have also increased their emissions in recent years, but overall are still responsible for a smaller portion of global emissions compared to industrialized countries. The former Soviet Union countries have seen a decline in emissions since the collapse of the Soviet system, but still have relatively high emissions due to their energy-intensive industries.

Question 19

How do greenhouse gases bring about global warming?
A)They heat the surface of the earth as they become heated by the sun.
B)They allow solar radiation to reach the earth's surface.
C)They trap heat waves given off by the sun.
D)They create holes in the atmosphere,allowing in more ultraviolet radiation.

Accepted Answer

Greenhouse gases trap heat waves given off by the sun and radiated back from the Earth's surface. This trapped heat increases the temperature of the atmosphere, leading to global warming.

Question 20

Epistemic communities are transnational communities of experts and policy makers concerned with particular __________ issues.
A)international
B)sustainable development
C)environmental
D)enclosure

Accepted Answer

Epistemic communities are networks of professionals with recognized expertise and competence in a particular domain and an authoritative claim to policy-relevant knowledge within that domain or issue-area. While they can be concerned with a variety of issues, they are often associated with environmental issues, where their expertise is sought to address complex global challenges.

Quiz 11: Environment and Population

"Sustainable" economic development means development that __________.

Rain forests __________.

The "tragedy of the commons" metaphor suggests that __________.

What state currently dominates the world in the production of solar panels?

In the 1980s,the __________ on CFCs was the most important success in international negotiations to protect the global environment to date.

As early as the late 1980s,states had much more success in negotiating agreements and developing regimes to manage the ozone layer than __________.

Which of the following is the greenhouse gas that accounts for most of global warming?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a major contributor to the destruction of __________.

Nonterritorial waters are called __________.

The first UN conference on the international environment took place in in .

Why was the U.S.Clean Air Act revised in 1997?

Air pollution and water pollution are more often problems than problems.

The 1992 Earth Summit took place in which country?

Which country has been most reluctant to agree to a treaty calling for specific reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by a certain target date?

The most common cause of the extinction of species is __________.

The metaphor known as the "tragedy of the commons" is widely used to explain the impact of human behavior on __________ systems.

In its drive for rapid economic growth,Beijing had smog levels in early 2013 that were far above levels considered dangerous,and its citizens who went outside experienced burning lungs and stinging eyes.This illustrates the debate over __________.

The major emitters of greenhouse gases today are __________.

How do greenhouse gases bring about global warming?

Epistemic communities are transnational communities of experts and policy makers concerned with particular __________ issues.