Climate change quiz
The COP21 summit in Paris has pushed climate change to the top of the agenda. But how much do you really know about this issue that affects us all? Click through DW's Q&A to find out!
Question:
How much has the Earth warmed since pre-industrial times?
Answer:
According to the IPCC, the Earth's average temperature has increased by 0.8 degree Celsius since 1850. Britain's Met Office said this is likely to reach 1 degree by the end of 2015. The agreed-upon limited for global warming to prevent the most damaging effects of climate change is 2 degrees Celsius. However, many experts say that exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius is already beyond acceptable risk.
Question:
What would be some of the consequences of 2-degree global warming by 2100? (Hint: see above)
Answer:
Up to 3 million people in coastal areas will be threatened by flooding, and it's estimated around 250 million people will be displaced as a result of climate change. And up to 2 billion will face water shortages. If the global temperature increases another degree by the end of this century, 20 to 30 percent of the world's species could go extinct, as they are unable to adapt so quickly.
Question:
What causes the greenhouse effect?
Answer:
The burning of fossil fuels such as coal and gas - largely for production of electricity, for heating and for transport - produces carbon dioxide. When this reaches the upper atmosphere, carbon dioxide (and to a lesser extent other greenhouse gases such as methane and chlorofluorocarbons) act to trap heat - like a greenhouse. This raises the temperature and causes the climate to change.
Question:
Which countries are most affected by extreme weather?
Answer:
According to the global climate risk index issued by Germanwatch, from 1995 to 2014, developing countries of the Global South like Honduras, Myanmar and Haiti have been hit hardest by flooding, storms and heat waves. Countries affected most in 2014 were Afghanistan, along with the Balkan countries of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Question:
What is the link between climate change and ocean acidification?
Answer:
As oceans absorb increased amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere, a chemical process takes place, changing the pH levels of seawater. This is called ocean acidification, the consequences of which hinder the ability of ocean creatures to develop their shells. This affects the entire marine food chain - upon which humans also depend.
Question:
What's the most climate-friendly mode of transportation for getting from point A to point B: driving, taking the train, riding a bus or flying?
Answer:
Flying in a commercial plane from Berlin to Paris produces around 250 kilograms of CO2. Over the same distance, a new VW Golf produces about 180 kilos of emissions. The same stretch on the bus releases about 30 kilos of carbon dioxide, and on the train releases around 11 kilos. So get on the train and save the climate!