Take the Climate Quiz

Do you know how climate works? Here are some questions to test your climate knowledge.

quiz_climate
1

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

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Correct!

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.

Question 1 of 7
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quiz_ghg
2

Which of these atmospheric gases traps heat as part of the greenhouse effect?

 

METHANE

 

NITROGEN

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Correct!

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.

Question 2 of 7
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3

Without the natural greenhouse effect, Earth’s temperature would be well below freezing. Is this true or false?

 

TRUE

 

FALSE

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a standing polar bear
Correct!

ANSWER: TRUE

Without the natural greenhouse effect, the average global temperature would be around -18°C (0°F).

Question 3 of 7
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quiz_co2
4

How much carbon dioxide does the average American add to the atmosphere each year?

 

16 metric tons

 

6 metric tons

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Correct!

ANSWER: 16 metric tons

The average American produces around 16 metric tons of CO₂ annually. That's enough to fill 192 shipping containers!

shipping
Question 4 of 7
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5

In the US, which activity contributes more to carbon dioxide emissions?

a factory with smokestacks and a house with lights on

producing electricity and heat

a car, truck and airplane

using transportation

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Correct!

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.

a car, truck and airplane
Question 5 of 7
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6

When you hear it’s unusually hot today, is that about the climate or weather?

 

CLIMATE

 

WEATHER

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ice_cream_melt
Correct!

ANSWER: WEATHER

Whether it’s hot or cold, or sunny or rainy today is a reflection of daily weather conditions—not climate.

Question 6 of 7
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7

The ocean affects Earth’s climate. Is this true or false?

 

TRUE

 

FALSE

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Correct!

ANSWER: TRUE

The ocean stores vast amounts of heat and carbon, which it exchanges with the atmosphere to impact climate.

quiz_ocean
Question 7 of 7
You got out of 7 right on the first guess.
Image Credits:
Space view of Earth's atmosphere, Daniel Olah on Unsplash; Car, plane, and truck, ©Shutterstock.