Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) — Question 16

A senior sustainability consultant at an African think tank explains the complexities of different Earth science systems to a group of ESG practitioners as part of the think tank’s continuing education program.
Which of the following statements by the sustainability consultant accurately describes the Earth’s greenhouse effect?

Answer options

• A. A natural process in which the Earth’s oceans absorb the majority of non-reflected incoming solar energy
• B. A natural process in which the Earth reflects three-quarters of incoming solar energy back into space
• C. A human-driven process that is the main contributor for half of the sea-level rise in the past 200 years
• D. A human-driven process in which the main contributor is the decrease in the albedo effect

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is D, as it accurately reflects the human influence on the greenhouse effect, particularly through changes in the albedo effect which affects how much solar energy is absorbed versus reflected. Options A and B incorrectly describe the natural processes of energy absorption and reflection, while C mischaracterizes the greenhouse effect as a primary driver of sea-level rise, which is not its main function.