Environment, Ecology & Climate Change – Climate Change & Global Warming
Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)
Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) – Preliminary Examination
General Studies Paper I (Objective, 200 Marks)
Topic: Environment, Ecology & Climate Change
Sub-Topic: Climate Change & Global Warming
Climate Change & Global Warming – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers & Explanations
Q1. Global warming refers to:
A. Seasonal rise in temperature
B. Short-term weather fluctuations
C. Long-term increase in Earth’s average temperature
D. Ozone layer depletion
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Global warming is the long-term rise in Earth’s average surface temperature, primarily due to increased greenhouse gas concentrations.
Q2. Climate change differs from global warming because climate change:
A. Is limited to temperature rise
B. Refers only to rainfall change
C. Includes long-term changes in temperature, rainfall and extremes
D. Is a natural phenomenon only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Climate change includes temperature rise, altered rainfall patterns, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events.
Q3. Which gas contributes the most to anthropogenic global warming?
A. Oxygen
B. Nitrogen
C. Carbon dioxide
D. Argon
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) from fossil fuel burning is the largest contributor to human-induced global warming.
Q4. The greenhouse effect is:
A. Always harmful
B. A natural process trapping heat in the atmosphere
C. Caused only by industries
D. Related to ozone depletion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The greenhouse effect is natural and essential for life, but excessive greenhouse gases intensify warming.
Q5. Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?
A. Methane
B. Nitrous oxide
C. Carbon dioxide
D. Nitrogen
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Nitrogen does not trap heat and is not a greenhouse gas.
Q6. The major source of methane emissions is:
A. Forest fires
B. Rice cultivation and livestock
C. Mining only
D. Ocean currents
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Methane is released from paddy fields, ruminant livestock, and landfills.
Q7. Which phenomenon results from increased greenhouse gases?
A. Ozone formation
B. Enhanced greenhouse effect
C. Acid rain only
D. Earthquakes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Higher greenhouse gas levels cause the enhanced greenhouse effect, leading to global warming.
Q8. Which sector contributes significantly to India’s greenhouse gas emissions?
A. Education
B. Transport and energy
C. Tourism
D. Healthcare
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The energy and transport sectors rely heavily on fossil fuels, emitting large amounts of CO₂.
Q9. Which gas has the highest global warming potential?
A. Carbon dioxide
B. Methane
C. Nitrous oxide
D. Chlorofluorocarbons
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
CFCs have extremely high global warming potential despite lower concentrations.
Q10. The main cause of sea-level rise is:
A. Increased rainfall
B. Volcanic eruptions
C. Melting of glaciers and thermal expansion
D. Ocean currents
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Sea-level rise is due to melting ice caps and expansion of warm seawater.
Q11. Which region is most vulnerable to climate change?
A. Temperate regions
B. Polar regions
C. Tropical oceans
D. Mountain plains
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Polar regions experience rapid ice melt and temperature rise, making them highly vulnerable.
Q12. Climate change impacts agriculture mainly through:
A. Improved soil fertility
B. Stable monsoon
C. Altered rainfall and temperature extremes
D. Increased mechanization
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Changing climate affects crop yields, pest patterns, and water availability.
Q13. Which phenomenon threatens coral reefs?
A. Ocean salinity
B. Coral bleaching
C. Acid rain
D. Oil spills only
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Rising sea temperature causes coral bleaching, leading to reef degradation.
Q14. Ocean acidification occurs due to:
A. Increased salt content
B. Absorption of carbon dioxide by oceans
C. Increased sunlight
D. Marine pollution only
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Oceans absorb CO₂, forming carbonic acid, which lowers pH.
Q15. Which of the following is a consequence of climate change?
A. Stable ecosystems
B. Increased biodiversity
C. Extreme weather events
D. Reduced natural disasters
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Climate change increases heatwaves, floods, droughts, and cyclones.
Q16. The term “carbon footprint” refers to:
A. Forest area coverage
B. Total greenhouse gas emissions by an individual or activity
C. Soil carbon content
D. Oxygen consumption
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Carbon footprint measures emissions of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases.
Q17. Which renewable energy source helps mitigate climate change?
A. Coal
B. Petroleum
C. Solar energy
D. Natural gas
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Solar energy produces electricity without greenhouse gas emissions.
Q18. Climate change adaptation focuses on:
A. Reducing emissions only
B. Adjusting to climate impacts
C. Preventing all disasters
D. Economic growth only
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Adaptation reduces vulnerability to climate impacts like floods and droughts.
Q19. Climate change mitigation refers to:
A. Emergency response
B. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
C. Disaster management
D. Weather forecasting
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Mitigation involves cutting emissions and enhancing carbon sinks.
Q20. Which practice helps reduce carbon emissions?
A. Deforestation
B. Fossil fuel use
C. Afforestation
D. Open burning
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Afforestation increases carbon sequestration.
Q21. Which gas is released from burning fossil fuels?
A. Oxygen
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Nitrogen
D. Helium
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Fossil fuel combustion releases carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas.
Q22. Urban heat island effect is linked to:
A. Forest cover
B. Water bodies
C. Concrete and asphalt surfaces
D. Rural settlements
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Urban materials absorb heat, increasing city temperatures.
Q23. Which sector is most vulnerable to climate change impacts in India?
A. IT sector
B. Agriculture
C. Banking
D. Manufacturing
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Indian agriculture depends on monsoon rainfall, making it highly climate-sensitive.
Q24. Climate change disproportionately affects:
A. Developed countries only
B. Developing countries
C. Polar nations only
D. Industrialized regions
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Developing countries have lower adaptive capacity and higher dependence on natural resources.
Q25. Which gas is mainly responsible for ozone depletion and global warming?
A. Carbon monoxide
B. Methane
C. Chlorofluorocarbons
D. Nitrogen dioxide
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
CFCs deplete the ozone layer and also act as greenhouse gases.
Q26. Which of the following helps in climate mitigation?
A. Increased coal use
B. Energy efficiency
C. Deforestation
D. Urban sprawl
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Energy efficiency reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
Q27. The melting of Himalayan glaciers threatens:
A. Ocean salinity
B. River water supply
C. Soil fertility
D. Wind patterns
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Glacier melt affects major rivers, impacting water security.
Q28. Which practice increases greenhouse gas emissions?
A. Public transport
B. Renewable energy
C. Industrial fossil fuel use
D. Tree plantation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Industries using fossil fuels emit large quantities of CO₂.
Q29. Climate change solutions require:
A. Individual action only
B. Government action only
C. Global cooperation
D. Natural recovery only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Climate change is a global problem, requiring international cooperation.
Q30. The ultimate goal of addressing climate change is to:
A. Stop economic growth
B. Maintain current lifestyles unchanged
C. Ensure sustainable development
D. Eliminate technology
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The aim is sustainable development, balancing growth with environmental protection.
✅ APSC Prelims Smart Tip
For Climate Change & Global Warming, focus on:
- Greenhouse gases & sources
- Impacts on agriculture, water, biodiversity
- Mitigation vs adaptation
- Renewable energy & sustainability concepts
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Climate change MCQs for APSC
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Global warming prelims questions
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Greenhouse gases MCQs APSC
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Climate mitigation adaptation MCQs
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Climate change impacts India MCQs
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Environment GS Paper I climate change
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Renewable energy climate MCQs