Multiple choice

What is a suitable heading for the passage?

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:
Scientists and environmentalists estimate that at the present rate of global warming, our planet will have heated up by nearly two degree centigrade by the end of the century. Even if we stopped all greenhouse gas emissions immediately, the pollutants in the atmosphere will drive up the global temperature by around half a degree.  If allowed to run unchecked, the global warming will impact even the permafrost at the poles. Permafrost refers to the perennially frozen part of earth in the Tundra and Polar Regions. At some places, the permafrost is just a few meters thick, while at others, it extends to depths of hundreds of meters. It is feared that in the eventuality of the melting of the polar caps, the poles will turn into a giant carbon-dioxide generation zone. The permanent freeze keeps the carbon inert but at higher temperatures, carbon will react with oxygen present in the air to form oxides. The non-existent flora of the tundra will not be enough to absorb a sufficient quantity of the greenhouse gases that are expected to be released when the polar ice-caps melt. However, keeping in view the grandiose declarations of the policy makers, who are setting ambitious targets for cutting greenhouse emissions without coming out with a plan that puts their money where their plan is, it is highly unlikely that we will halt, much less reverse, the timeline for an appointment with Armageddon. It would mean that emission cuts of the level un-thought of till today will have to be achieved to halt any further increase in global warming.

  1. Helpless in preventing build-up of CO2 emissions.

  2. Can we stop heating up the planet before it is too late?

  3. Are we left with enough time to prevent melting of permafrost?

  4. Melting Permafrost: Earth's next big emission control challenge

  5. Permafrost: Our final defense against global warming
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

(1) Incorrect. The over-riding concern of the author is that the policy paralysis might make it too late to save earth from un-escapable consequences of global warming.

(2) Incorrect. The passage is not just about global warming, but about the passive role of permafrost in stemming global warming.

(3) Correct. The author is concerned that the half-heartedness of response to global warming might result in policy paralysis, which in turn, might lead to the melting of permafrost.
(4) Incorrect. The permafrost has not started to melt, but it is feared that at the present rate of global warming, it will soon start to melt.
(5) Incorrect; cannot be inferred. The passage mentions that if the permafrost melts, un-thought of emission cuts will have to be enforced to combat climate change. It implies that even if the permafrost melts, drastic actions might save the day.

Keep practicing — related questions