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Question 1:

What is the primary cause of rising global temperatures?

A) Deforestation
B) Natural climate variability
C) Greenhouse gas emissions
D) Solar radiation

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Explanation: The correct answer is C) Greenhouse gas emissions. The primary cause of rising global temperatures is the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). These gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect and a gradual increase in average global temperatures over time.

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Question 2:

What is a heatwave?

A) A sudden increase in solar radiation
B) A prolonged period of excessively hot weather
C) A decrease in atmospheric humidity
D) A sudden drop in air pressure

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Explanation: The correct answer is B) A prolonged period of excessively hot weather. A heatwave is a prolonged period of unusually hot weather, typically lasting several days to weeks. Heatwaves are characterized by high temperatures and often accompanied by high humidity levels, making them potentially dangerous and a risk to human health, especially for vulnerable populations.

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Question 3:

What are some impacts of rising temperatures and heatwaves?

A) Increased risk of droughts and wildfires
B) Heat-related illnesses and fatalities
C) Changes in ecosystems and biodiversity
D) All of the above

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Explanation: The correct answer is D) All of the above. Rising temperatures and heatwaves have several impacts, including increased risk of droughts and wildfires, heat-related illnesses and fatalities, and changes in ecosystems and biodiversity. Heatwaves can strain water resources, threaten agriculture, and disrupt natural habitats, leading to far-reaching consequences for both human and natural systems.

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Question 4:

What role does urbanization play in exacerbating heatwaves?

A) Urban areas create more greenhouse gas emissions
B) Urban areas experience more intense heat due to the urban heat island effect
C) Urban areas are more susceptible to extreme weather events
D) Urban areas have fewer green spaces to mitigate heat

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Explanation: The correct answer is B) Urban areas experience more intense heat due to the urban heat island effect. Urbanization contributes to the exacerbation of heatwaves through the urban heat island effect. Urban areas with large amounts of concrete, asphalt, and limited vegetation tend to absorb and retain more heat, leading to higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas. This effect can intensify heatwaves, posing additional risks to urban populations.

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Question 5:

How can society mitigate the impacts of rising temperatures and heatwaves?

A) Implementing heatwave early warning systems
B) Improving urban planning to incorporate green spaces
C) Promoting energy-efficient cooling technologies
D) All of the above

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Explanation: The correct answer is D) All of the above. Mitigating the impacts of rising temperatures and heatwaves involves implementing heatwave early warning systems to alert and protect vulnerable populations, improving urban planning to incorporate green spaces and mitigate the urban heat island effect, and promoting energy-efficient cooling technologies to reduce energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions. These strategies can help increase resilience and protect human health during periods of extreme heat.