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Take the Climate Quiz
Do you know how climate works? Here are some questions to test your climate knowledge.
In some parts of the world, rainstorms have become more intense over the past several decades. Is that a change in weather or climate?
WEATHER
CLIMATE
ANSWER: CLIMATE
The trend of more intense rainstorms in certain locations is a sign of a changing climate. One heavy rainstorm is a weather event. But the trend of more intense rainstorms is a sign of a changing climate.
Which of these atmospheric gases traps heat as part of the greenhouse effect?
METHANE
NITROGEN
ANSWER: METHANE
Carbon dioxide is perhaps the most famous greenhouse gas. But methane also traps heat in the atmosphere. Nitrogen makes up 80% of Earth’s atmosphere but is not a greenhouse gas.
Without the natural greenhouse effect, Earth’s temperature would be well below freezing. Is this true or false?
TRUE
FALSE
ANSWER: TRUE
Without the natural greenhouse effect, the average global temperature would be around -18°C (0°F).
How much carbon dioxide does the average American add to the atmosphere each year?
16 metric tons
6 metric tons
ANSWER: 16 metric tons
The average American produces around 16 metric tons of CO₂ annually. That's enough to fill 192 shipping containers!
In the US, which activity contributes more to carbon dioxide emissions?
producing electricity and heat
using transportation
ANSWER: using transportation
Transportation causes more CO₂ emissions in the US—but just barely. In 2016, 35% of US CO₂ emissions came from the generation of electricity and heat; 36% from transportation.
When you hear it’s unusually hot today, is that about the climate or weather?
CLIMATE
WEATHER
ANSWER: WEATHER
Whether it’s hot or cold, or sunny or rainy today is a reflection of daily weather conditions—not climate.
The ocean affects Earth’s climate. Is this true or false?
TRUE
FALSE
ANSWER: TRUE
The ocean stores vast amounts of heat and carbon, which it exchanges with the atmosphere to impact climate.
