Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) — Question 52

A public policy think tank releases a report on global decarbonization pathways. The report describes the relative contribution of each GHG to modern climate change and recommends focusing global efforts on CO2 reduction.
Why would the think tank make this recommendation?

Answer options

• A. CO2 atmospheric concentrations have increased by approximately 1 part per billion.
• B. CO2 atmospheric concentrations have increased by approximately 100 parts per billion.
• C. CO2 is responsible for approximately a 2.25 w/m2 increase in radiative forcing.
• D. CO2 is responsible for approximately a 1.00 w/m2 increase in radiative forcing.

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The think tank emphasizes CO2 reduction because it is responsible for a significant increase in radiative forcing, estimated at approximately 2.25 w/m2, which contributes to climate change. The other options either underestimate the increase in CO2 concentrations or the impact of CO2 on radiative forcing, making them less relevant to the recommendation.