Solar Radiation Management (SRM) is often proposed

Question

Solar Radiation Management (SRM) is often proposed as a geoengineering solution to combat global warming, offering the potential to temporarily reduce rising temperatures. However, concerns have emerged that SRM could unintentionally undermine efforts to address the root causes of climate change. Critics argue that by presenting SRM as a viable option, there is a risk of creating a "moral hazard," where the urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is diminished.

Several studies suggest that awareness of SRM may reduce public support for critical mitigation strategies, such as emission reductions, aligning with the moral hazard theory. While some research points to increased backing for policies like carbon taxes after exposure to SRM, these findings are not conclusive. The broader concern remains that SRM may foster complacency, potentially delaying the necessary actions to address climate change in a comprehensive way.

Ultimately, while SRM could serve as a part of the climate solution, its role must be carefully evaluated. If overreliance on SRM shifts focus away from emissions reduction, the progress made in mitigating climate risks could be significantly weakened. Policymakers will need to weigh its potential benefits against the risk of reducing momentum in the fight to lower emissions—an effort widely regarded as essential for addressing the long-term impacts of climate change.

1  Q1. Which of the following best describes the primary concern of critics regarding SRM? 
A) SRM will completely replace the need for emission reductions. 
B) SRM will increase public support for carbon taxes, undermining global warming awareness. 
C) SRM may reduce support to hasten the deployment of climate change mitigation measures. 
D) SRM usage will cause greenhouse gas emissions to go up. 
E) Advocates of SRM intentionally want to undermine climate change research.

2  Q2. What can be inferred about the author's perspective on SRM? 
A) The author believes SRM will certainly shift focus away from emissions reduction. 
B) The author believes SRM should not be prioritized over other climate interventions. 
C) The author believes policymakers are best equipped to decide the risks of SRM. 
D) The author believes SRM might prove useful in the battle against climate change. 
E) The author believes SRM is ineffective in addressing climate change.

3  Q3. Which of the following best describes the structure of the passage? 
A) The author presents a problem, explores potential solutions, and concludes by endorsing one of them. 
B) The author introduces a solution, discusses its possible drawbacks, and ends by weighing its overall viability. 
C) The author outlines a debate, provides evidence supporting both sides, and then argues for a compromise. 
D) The author describes a controversial idea, refutes it with opposing arguments, and dismisses it entirely. 
E) The author starts with a critique, introduces a counterargument, and then supports the critique with additional evidence.

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Keshav1404 · Answer

Question 2:

The correct answer is  D) The author believes SRM might prove useful in the battle against climate change. 
The passage discusses SRM as a geoengineering solution with potential benefits but also highlights concerns regarding its unintended consequences, such as the risk of reducing efforts to lower emissions. While the author acknowledges these concerns, they also indicate that SRM "could serve as a part of the climate solution." This suggests that the author believes SRM might have some utility, even though its risks must be carefully considered.

Keshav1404 · Answer

Question 1:

The correct answer is  C) SRM may reduce support to hasten the deployment of climate change mitigation measures. 
This option accurately captures the critics' primary concern, which is that SRM could undermine efforts to address the root causes of climate change by diminishing the urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Keshav1404 · Answer

Question 3:

The best answer is  B) The author introduces a solution, discusses its possible drawbacks, and ends by weighing its overall viability .
Explanation:

The passage introduces SRM (Solar Radiation Management) as a geoengineering solution to combat global warming.  
  It then discusses the possible drawbacks of SRM, particularly the risk of creating a "moral hazard" and the potential to undermine emission reduction efforts.  
  Finally, the passage concludes by emphasizing that SRM's role must be carefully evaluated, considering its potential benefits and risks.   
 This structure aligns well with option B.

catinabox · Answer

Here are the official solutions:

Q1. Which of the following best describes the primary concern of critics regarding SRM?

Correct Answer:  C

Explanation:  
A) Incorrect. This is an exaggerated claim. The passage does not suggest SRM will fully replace emission reductions, but rather that it may reduce the urgency to act on them. 
B) Incorrect. While the passage mentions studies suggesting SRM could increase support for carbon taxes, this is not the primary concern of critics. The focus of their concern is on moral hazard, not on carbon taxes. 
 C) Correct. This option accurately reflects the critics' concern that SRM may reduce the support for essential climate change mitigation efforts, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This ties into the "moral hazard" issue mentioned in the passage.  
D) Incorrect. The passage does not state that SRM will cause an increase in emissions directly. The concern is that SRM could reduce the urgency to address emissions but does not claim SRM itself increases emissions. 
E) Incorrect. The passage does not imply that advocates of SRM intentionally seek to undermine climate research. The concerns raised are about unintended consequences, not deliberate actions.

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Q2. What can be inferred about the author's perspective on SRM?

Correct Answer:  D

Explanation:  
A) Incorrect. The passage suggests that SRM could shift focus away from emissions reduction but does not definitively state that this will happen. The concern is presented as a possibility, not a certainty. 
B) Incorrect. While the author warns against overreliance on SRM, they do not state that SRM should not be prioritized over other interventions. The argument is about balancing SRM with emissions reduction, not establishing a strict priority order. 
C) Incorrect. The author does not imply that policymakers are the best suited to assess the risks of SRM. The passage mentions policymakers only in the context of weighing SRM's benefits and risks, but no specific judgment about their capability is given. 
 D) Correct. This option best captures the author's balanced perspective. The passage suggests SRM could be useful in addressing climate change but warns against relying on it too heavily at the expense of emissions reduction efforts.  
E) Incorrect. The author does not claim that SRM is ineffective. Instead, the author argues that SRM could be part of the solution, as long as it doesn't undermine efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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Q3. Which of the following best describes the structure of the passage?

Correct Answer:  B

Explanation:  
A) Incorrect. The passage does not conclude by endorsing SRM as the definitive solution. Instead, it discusses the potential risks and emphasizes caution. 
 B) Correct. The passage begins by introducing SRM as a possible solution to climate change, then explores the drawbacks, especially the moral hazard, and concludes by weighing SRM’s potential role in the broader climate strategy.  
C) Incorrect. The passage does not present evidence supporting both sides of a debate. It focuses more on outlining SRM’s risks and its possible role in climate strategies. 
D) Incorrect. The author does not completely dismiss SRM. Instead, the passage acknowledges the benefits of SRM while expressing concerns about overreliance on it. 
E) Incorrect. The passage does not follow a structure where an initial critique is supported by additional evidence. The passage takes a balanced approach rather than strictly refuting SRM.

Solar Radiation Management (SRM) is often proposed

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Solar Radiation Management (SRM) is often proposed

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