Explain why the chemical weathering-CO2 feedback is a negative feedback on Earth’s climate system
What will be the ideal response?
ANSWER: Chemical weathering is a process by which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere as silicate minerals in rocks decompose in the presence of moisture. In this feedback, as chemical weathering increases, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere decreases. The reason for this situation is that chemical weathering (and the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere) will generally take place more rapidly on a warmer planet, as chemical reactions speed up and greater evaporation from the oceans leads to more precipitation over the continents. As CO2 leaves the atmosphere more quickly, CO2 levels drop and Earth’s climate begins to cool and stabilize. As temperatures dip, less water evaporates from the oceans, chemical weathering decreases, and the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere diminishes.
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Explain how a common trap called paralysis by analysis can prevent us from moving beyond blame and guilt so we can effectively address environmental challenges. Draw in ideas from this chapter and previous chapters to support your answer
What will be an ideal response
The example of Steve Yearley’s creative approach to environmental management in British Air Quality Management Areas provided a good example of:
a) participatory modeling. b) community-based management. c) bridging public policy and top-level governance. d) all of the above.
Which portion of a eukaryotic gene carries information which will be transcribed to the RNA?
A) the entire gene B) the promoter C) the regulatory portion D) the structural gene
To determine your specific impacts on the environment, you can ________
A) measure local air pollution and its impacts on your health B) determine your environmental handprint C) calculate your ecological footprint D) calculate the biodiversity of your local community E) determine your community's impact on water quality in a nearby river