Quiz: Environmental science students – do you know your climate change facts?

22 Feb 2019

The Earth’s temperature is rising, ice caps are melting, and animals, like polar bears, who usually keep their distance from humans are entering human settlements…

Clearly, the effects of climate change have already started to show, and it’s taking its toll on both the human and animal world.

We know that climate change affects our oceans, forests, food and health, but before we can hope to bring about positive change, it’s important to get our facts straight before we can proceed with the necessary action.

So, if you’re someone who cares about the environment, now’s the perfect time to test your knowledge on climate change with this quiz.

1. Which of the following is a source of ocean plastic pollution?

Source: Shutterstock

Clothes

Microbeads in face and body scrub products

Both of the above

Correct! Wrong!

2. What is the biggest source of a key arctic climate pollutant?

Source: Shutterstock

Fossil fuels

Wildfires

Correct! Wrong!

3. Which of the following can’t be recycled?

Source: Shutterstock

Glass jars

Plug sockets

Correct! Wrong!

4. How can extreme events, such as drought, impact our energy infrastructure?

Source: Shutterstock

It can cause water shortages and power outages

It doesn’t affect our energy supply chain - it's been designed to respond to weather variability

Correct! Wrong!

5. Which country emits the most carbon dioxide?

Source: Shutterstock

China

India

The US

Correct! Wrong!

Quiz: Environmental science students - do you know your recycling and climate change facts?

Hit the books

It looks like you should consider brushing up on your facts by reading more resources on the topic. But here are some fast facts: 1. Certain fabrics in our clothes, like polyester, are forms of plastic. These fibres are released into the oceans when we wash them. 2. A recent study shows that fossil fuels are the main source of black carbon in the Arctic. 3. Not all plastics can be recycled. According to the BBC, plug sockets are typically made from urea formaldehyde resin, which can’t be recycled. 4. Extreme events, including hurricanes and wildfires, cause water shortages, higher gas prices, etc. 5. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that China accounts for 30 percent of global carbon emissions.

Not bad

That’s a great start! Keep brushing up on your facts and you’ll be a pro in no time. In the meantime, here are some fast facts: 1. Certain fabrics in our clothes, like polyester, are forms of plastic. These fibres are released into the oceans when we wash them. 2. A recent study shows that fossil fuels are the main source of black carbon in the Arctic. 3. Not all plastics can be recycled. According to the BBC, plug sockets are typically made from urea formaldehyde resin, which can’t be recycled. 4. Extreme events, including hurricanes and wildfires, cause water shortages, higher gas prices, etc. 5. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that China accounts for 30 percent of global carbon emissions.

Well done!

Greta Thunberg who? You’re a whiz when it comes to knowing your general knowledge on climate change! But here are some fast facts for your reading anyway: 1. Certain fabrics in our clothes, like polyester, are forms of plastic. These fibres are released into the oceans when we wash them. 2. A recent study shows that fossil fuels are the main source of black carbon in the Arctic. 3. Not all plastics can be recycled. According to the BBC, plug sockets are typically made from urea formaldehyde resin, which can’t be recycled. 4. Extreme events, including hurricanes and wildfires, cause water shortages, higher gas prices, etc. 5. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that China accounts for 30 percent of global carbon emissions.