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Q.1
Based on: WBCS Prelims 2008
What is the approximate average temperature of Earth's surface with the natural greenhouse effect?
A.-18°C
B.0°C
C.15°C
D.30°C
Explanation
Why Correct: The natural greenhouse effect maintains Earth's average surface temperature at about 15°C, which is approximately 33°C warmer than the -18°C it would be without greenhouse gases. Distractor Analysis: -18°C is the Earth's average temperature without any greenhouse effect. 0°C is the freezing point of water. 30°C is far too high and not representative of the global average. Takeaway: The primary greenhouse gases are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which trap outgoing infrared radiation.
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Q.2
Based on: WBCS Prelims 2007
What percentage of total anthropogenic greenhouse forcing does methane contribute?
A.6%
B.2%
C.16%
D.25%
Explanation
Why Correct: Methane (CH4) is the second most significant greenhouse gas, contributing approximately 16% to total anthropogenic greenhouse forcing, behind carbon dioxide at 76%. Distractor Analysis: 6% is the share of nitrous oxide (N2O). 2% is the combined share of fluorinated gases. 25% is not the share of any single gas but a common misestimate. Takeaway: Methane has a global warming potential about 28 times greater than CO2 over a 100-year period, but its atmospheric lifetime is only about 12 years, compared to centuries for CO2.
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Q.3
Based on: WBCS Prelims 2007
Who is credited with first proposing the relationship between atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and global temperature, laying the groundwork for modern climate change science?
A.Svante Arrhenius
B.John Tyndall
C.Charles Keeling
D.James Hansen
Explanation
Why Correct: Svante Arrhenius, a Swedish scientist, first calculated the effect of doubling CO2 on global temperature in 1896, publishing the first quantitative estimate of greenhouse warming. Distractor Analysis: John Tyndall discovered the heat-trapping properties of CO2 and water vapor in the 1850s but did not propose a temperature relationship. Charles Keeling began measuring atmospheric CO2 at Mauna Loa in 1958, producing the Keeling Curve. James Hansen provided key testimony to the US Senate in 1988 linking climate change to human activity. Takeaway: The Arrhenius calculation estimated a 5-6 degree Celsius warming for a doubling of CO2, roughly consistent with modern climate sensitivity estimates of 1.5-4.5 degrees Celsius.
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Q.4
Based on: WBCS Prelims 2007
Under the Kyoto Protocol, developed countries agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions relative to 1990 levels. The first commitment period required an average reduction of what percentage?
A.5%
B.8%
C.12%
D.15%
Explanation
Why Correct: The Kyoto Protocol's first commitment period (2008-2012) required developed country parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5% below 1990 levels. Distractor Analysis: 8% was the reduction target for the European Union under the Kyoto Protocol. 12% is not a target specified in the Kyoto Protocol. 15% was proposed by some parties but not adopted. Takeaway: The Doha Amendment (2012) established a second commitment period (2013-2020) with a reduction target of at least 18% below 1990 levels, but this amendment has not entered into force due to insufficient ratifications.
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Q.5
Based on: WBCS Prelims 2007
The enhanced greenhouse effect is primarily caused by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases. Which international agreement was the first to establish legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries?
A.Montreal Protocol (1987)
B.Kyoto Protocol (1997)
C.Paris Agreement (2015)
D.Rio Earth Summit (1992)
Explanation
Why Correct: The Kyoto Protocol (1997) established legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries under the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities'. Distractor Analysis: Montreal Protocol (1987) successfully phased out ozone-depleting substances. Paris Agreement (2015) operates on nationally determined contributions, not legally binding targets. Rio Earth Summit (1992) produced the UNFCCC framework but no binding targets. Takeaway: The Paris Agreement (2015) replaced the Kyoto Protocol and uses nationally determined contributions (NDCs) without legally binding emission reduction targets.
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Q.6
Based on: WBCS Prelims 2007
The natural greenhouse effect keeps Earth's average surface temperature about 33°C warmer than it would be without an atmosphere. The enhanced greenhouse effect is distinct from this natural process because it specifically refers to:
A.warming caused by volcanic eruptions that release CO2 and ash
B.the additional warming from human activities that increase atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations
C.the cyclical warming and cooling of Earth's climate due to Milankovitch cycles
D.the natural increase in solar radiation reaching Earth's surface
Explanation
Why Correct: The enhanced greenhouse effect is the additional warming caused by human activities that increase atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases beyond natural levels. Distractor Analysis: Volcanic eruptions can cause short-term cooling due to aerosol injection, not consistent enhanced warming. Milankovitch cycles operate over tens of thousands of years. Solar radiation variation is an external forcing, not a greenhouse effect. Takeaway: Water vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas and contributes about 60% of the natural greenhouse effect, but its concentration is not directly influenced by human emissions.
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