RC: Climate Change - 4 | 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 transition to green energy is often heralded as the panacea for climate change. However, this transition is fraught with paradoxes that challenge its efficacy as a singular solution. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power are indeed crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, their production and implementation are not devoid of environmental costs.
For instance, the manufacturing of solar panels involves the use of hazardous materials, and wind farms have been criticized for their impact on avian populations. Moreover, the construction of large-scale hydroelectric dams often leads to ecological disruption and the displacement of communities.
Another paradox lies in the concept of energy return on investment (EROI), which measures the amount of usable energy acquired from a particular energy resource relative to the energy expended to obtain it. While fossil fuels historically had high EROI values, making them economically attractive, many renewable sources have lower EROI, raising concerns about their long-term viability and the potential need for continuous subsidies.
Furthermore, the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources necessitates the development of efficient storage solutions, which currently lag behind. The reliance on rare earth elements for battery production also poses sustainability and ethical challenges, given the environmentally damaging extraction processes and geopolitical tensions surrounding their supply.
These paradoxes do not negate the importance of green energy but highlight the complexities involved in the transition. A holistic approach that addresses these challenges is essential for a truly sustainable energy future.
Q1: According to the passage, why is the transition to green energy considered paradoxical?
(a) It has led to an increase in global greenhouse gas emissions.
(b) It involves environmental costs and challenges despite its benefits.
(c) It is solely dependent on the availability of rare earth elements.
(d) It has resulted in the complete eradication of fossil fuel usage.

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Q2: The concept of energy return on investment (EROI) is significant because:
(a) It determines the profitability of renewable energy sources.
(b) It measures the environmental impact of energy production.
(c) It indicates the efficiency of energy storage solutions.
(d) It assesses the balance between energy obtained and energy expended.

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Q3: The passage suggests that the long-term viability of renewable energy sources is questioned due to:
(a) Their high production costs and low EROI values.
(b) The lack of government subsidies for green energy.
(c) The complete reliance on renewable sources for energy.
(d) The absence of environmental regulations for energy production.

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Q4: A holistic approach to the energy transition should address:
(a) The elimination of all non-renewable energy sources.
(b) The complexities and challenges outlined in the passage.
(c) The exclusive focus on solar and wind energy.
(d) The geopolitical tensions surrounding fossil fuels.

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