RC: Climate Change - 3 | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC) - CAT PDF Download

Passage 

Direction: The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
The concept of a carbon budget has become central to discussions on climate change mitigation. It refers to the cumulative amount of carbon dioxide emissions permitted over a period of time to keep global temperature rise within a certain limit, typically 1.5°C or 2°C above pre-industrial levels. The dilemma arises from the fact that the carbon budget is rapidly depleting. Current emission rates suggest that the budget for a 1.5°C limit could be exhausted within the next decade, necessitating immediate and drastic reductions in emissions to avoid catastrophic climate impacts.
The carbon budget is not just a scientific concept; it has profound ethical and political implications. It raises questions about the fair distribution of the remaining budget among nations, especially considering the historical emissions of industrialized countries. Developing nations argue for a larger share of the remaining budget to support their growth, while those responsible for the bulk of historical emissions must make significant cuts. The carbon budget dilemma underscores the need for global cooperation and equitable solutions in the fight against climate change.
Q1: What is the primary purpose of establishing a carbon budget?
(a) To calculate the total carbon emissions since the industrial revolution.
(b) To allocate equal emissions rights to all countries.
(c) To limit global temperature rise within a specific threshold.
(d) To increase carbon sequestration through afforestation.

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Q2: The carbon budget for a 1.5°C temperature limit:
(a) Is expected to last for several decades at current emission rates.
(b) Has already been exceeded due to historical emissions.
(c) Could be exhausted within the next decade if emissions are not reduced.
(d) Is solely determined by future emissions of developing countries.

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Q3: The carbon budget dilemma highlights the need for:
(a) Technological advancements in carbon capture and storage.
(b) Immediate cessation of all carbon dioxide emissions.
(c) Global cooperation and equitable solutions.
(d) Privatization of carbon-intensive industries.

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Q4: The ethical and political implications of the carbon budget are related to:
(a) The fair distribution of the remaining budget among nations.
(b) The imposition of carbon taxes on industrialized countries.
(c) The development of carbon-neutral technologies.
(d) The enforcement of strict environmental regulations.

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