Climate change presents humanity with its greatest challenge, and many experts believe we're in a race against time. Governments worldwide are walking on eggshells as they attempt to balance economic growth with environmental protection. Industries that once helped people climb the corporate ladder now face intense scrutiny for their carbon footprints. The scientific consensus is clear: carbon emissions must decrease dramatically within the next decade to prevent catastrophic warming. Every fraction of a degree matters in this delicate planetary balance, making immediate action essential for future generations.
Renewable energy represents our most promising path forward. [I] Solar and wind power have experienced remarkable cost reductions, making them competitive with fossil fuels in many markets. [II] Hydroelectric power continues to provide reliable baseload generation in suitable regions. [III] Meanwhile, emerging technologies like green hydrogen offer potential solutions for sectors that prove difficult to electrify. Despite these advances, the transition faces significant hurdles, including intermittency issues and infrastructure limitations. [IV]
Consumer behavior plays a crucial role in addressing climate challenges. Individual choices regarding transportation, diet, and consumption patterns collectively influence global emissions significantly. Many people remain unaware that meat production contributes substantially to greenhouse gases through methane release and deforestation. Additionally, the fashion industry's environmental impact often goes unrecognized despite its massive carbon footprint. Education campaigns have begun targeting these blind spots, emphasizing how personal decisions connect to planetary outcomes. Sustainable alternatives are increasingly available, though often at premium prices that limit widespread adoption.
International cooperation represents the final piece of this complex puzzle. The Paris Agreement established a framework for nations to report and reduce their emissions, though implementation varies widely. Developing countries rightfully argue they should have space to improve living standards while industrialized nations bear greater responsibility. Carbon pricing mechanisms have shown promise where implemented effectively. Without coordinated global action that addresses both historical responsibilities and future development needs, achieving carbon balance remains unlikely. Technological transfer and financial support from wealthy nations will be crucial components of any successful global strategy.
Question 31: The phrase “climb the corporate ladder” in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to ________.
- move up B. take over C. break down D. get by
Question 32: Where in paragraph 2 does the following sentence best fit?
Storage technologies such as advanced batteries continue to improve but require further development to support fully renewable grids.
- [I] B. [II] C. [III] D. [IV]
Question 33: According to the passage, all of the following are renewable energy sources EXCEPT.
A. Solar power
B. Wind power
C. Hydroelectric power
D. Natural gas
Question 34: Which of the following best summarises paragraph 3?
A. Fashion industry emissions exceed other consumer sectors and require immediate regulation through global education programs.
B. Individual consumer choices significantly impact climate change though many remain unaware of certain industries' effects.
C. Sustainable alternatives exist but are ineffective due to high costs that prevent mainstream market adoption worldwide.
D. Education campaigns have failed to connect personal decisions with environmental outcomes in developed economies.
Question 35: The word “its” in paragraph 3 refers to _________.
A. The environmental impact
B. The education campaign
C. The fashion industry
D. The consumer behavior
Question 36: The word “planetary” in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to _________.
- local B. global C. worldwide D. universal
Question 37: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?
A. Poorer nations must limit their growth to match the carbon reductions achieved by wealthy industrialized countries.
B. All nations should share equal climate responsibilities regardless of their development status or historical emissions.
C. Less developed nations deserve economic growth opportunities while more developed nations take on larger climate burdens.
D. Advanced economies should transfer technology but not financial support to nations seeking to improve their circumstances.
Question 38: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. Renewable energy technologies have completely solved the intermittency issues that previously limited their widespread adoption.
B. Solar and wind power have become economically competitive with fossil fuels in certain market environments.
C. Consumer education campaigns have successfully eliminated the premium pricing of sustainable product alternatives.
D. The Paris Agreement has ensured consistent implementation of emissions reduction across all participating nations.
Question 39: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
A. Government regulation alone will be sufficient to address climate change without individual behavior modifications.
B. Technological advances in renewable energy have eliminated the need for international cooperation on climate issues.
C. Developing nations should prioritize environmental concerns over improving their citizens' economic conditions.
D. Addressing climate change requires a multi-faceted approach involving technology, policy, and individual actions.
Question 40: Which of the following best summarises the passage?
A. Climate change requires coordinated action across government policy, renewable technology, consumer behavior, and global cooperation.
B. Renewable energy technologies are advancing rapidly but remain insufficient to replace fossil fuels in the immediate future.
C. Consumer education about environmental impacts is the most critical factor in addressing global climate change challenges.
D. International agreements provide the necessary framework for solving climate issues if properly implemented by all nations.
TEST 1 - UNIT 4