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Chapter 5: Problem 27

Scientists who warn of a connection between climate change and human actions generally point to what practice as the central cause of the problem? A. burning of fossil fuels B. deforestation C. pollution D. waste disposal

Short Answer

Expert verified
A. burning of fossil fuels

Step by step solution

01

- Understand the Question

The question is asking about the main practice pointed out by scientists that connects human actions to climate change.
02

- Review the Given Options

The options are: A. burning of fossil fuels, B. deforestation, C. pollution, D. waste disposal. Each of these practices contributes to climate change in various ways.
03

- Analyze Each Option

Consider each option and its impact on climate change. The burning of fossil fuels releases large quantities of CO2, contributing significantly to global warming. Deforestation reduces the number of trees that can absorb CO2. Pollution and waste disposal also contribute but not as directly to CO2 levels.
04

- Identify the Most Significant Cause

Scientists most often cite the burning of fossil fuels as the primary cause of climate change because it directly increases greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2.
05

- Choose the Correct Answer

Based on the analysis, the practice most frequently cited by scientists is the burning of fossil fuels.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

fossil fuels
Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are the primary sources of energy for human activities. When we burn fossil fuels to produce energy, it releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to global warming.

This practice contributes significantly to climate change.
  • Coal-fired power plants, car exhausts, and industrial processes are major sources of CO2 emissions.
  • Reducing the use of fossil fuels and finding alternative energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric can help mitigate the impact.
human activities
Human activities play a significant role in climate change. Beyond the burning of fossil fuels, activities like deforestation, industrial processes, and agriculture also contribute to the problem.
  • Deforestation reduces the number of trees that can absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, leading to higher concentrations of greenhouse gases.
  • Industrial processes release various pollutants and gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect.
  • Agricultural practices, especially livestock farming, produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Our everyday choices, such as energy consumption, waste disposal, and transportation, all impact the environment.
greenhouse gas emissions
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) play a crucial role in climate change. These gases trap heat in the earth's atmosphere, causing the 'greenhouse effect.'

CO2 emissions mainly result from burning fossil fuels, while CH4 and N2O often come from agriculture and industrial activities.
  • Reducing GHG emissions is vital for limiting global warming.
  • Actions like using energy-efficient technologies, recycling, and sustainable agriculture can help lessen these emissions.
environmental impact
The environmental impact of climate change is extensive and far-reaching. It affects our weather systems, ecosystems, and biodiversity.

We see more frequent and severe weather events like hurricanes, floods, and droughts. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can disrupt habitats and lead to the extinction of species.
  • Melting ice caps and glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities.
  • Changes in habitat can affect food security and water supply.

Understanding these impacts can help us in taking action to protect our planet.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Read the following quotation from one of the decisions of the Warren Court: “The right to be heard would be, in many cases, of little avail if it did not comprehend the right to be heard by counsel. Even the intelligent and educated layman has small and sometimes no skill in the science of law. If charged with crime, he is incapable, generally, of determining for himself whether the indictment is good or bad. He is unfamiliar with the rules of evidence. Left without the aid of counsel, he may be put on trial without a proper charge, and convicted upon incompetent evidence, or evidence irrelevant to the issue or otherwise inadmissible. He lacks both the skill and knowledge adequately to prepare his defense, even though he have a perfect one. He requires the guiding hand of counsel at every step in the proceedings against him. Without it, though he be not guilty, he faces the danger of conviction because he does not know how to establish his innocence.” In which case was the Court most likely to use these words to explain its decision? A. Escobedo v. Illinois B. Gideon v. Wainwright C. Mapp v. Ohio D. Miranda v. Arizona

Why is this clause, the “necessary and proper” clause, sometimes called the “elastic clause”? A. Congress has used it when declaring war. B. Congress has used it when impeaching three presidents. C. Congress has used it to become involved in a wide range of issues. D. When Congress stretches its power too much, it is stung by a public backlash.

Religious affiliation in which country reflects the effects of cultural diffusion as a result of trade with Southwest Asia? A. Burma B. Indonesia C. Singapore D. Vietnam

What area of law was a common subject of the decisions in Mapp v. Ohio, Gideon v. Wainwright, Escobedo v. Illinois, and Miranda v. Arizona? A. due process in criminal cases B. equal rights C. equal representation D. federal versus state power

Widespread suffering resulting from what event helped bring about Adolf Hitler’s rise to power? A. French Revolution B. Great Depression C. Industrial Revolution D. Russian Revolution
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