Question
Several atmospheric gases contribute to climate change: carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Considering this, which choice would do the LEAST to directly reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Responses
A the widespread use of carpooling and public transportation. the widespread use of carpooling and public transportation.
B the reforestation of large areas of Amazon wilderness in Brazil.the reforestation of large areas of Amazon wilderness in Brazil.
C discontinued use of coal power plants, in favor of nuclear plants.discontinued use of coal power plants, in favor of nuclear plants.
D the conversion of restaurant grease to bio-diesel fuel for use by motorists.
Responses
A the widespread use of carpooling and public transportation. the widespread use of carpooling and public transportation.
B the reforestation of large areas of Amazon wilderness in Brazil.the reforestation of large areas of Amazon wilderness in Brazil.
C discontinued use of coal power plants, in favor of nuclear plants.discontinued use of coal power plants, in favor of nuclear plants.
D the conversion of restaurant grease to bio-diesel fuel for use by motorists.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
To analyze which choice would do the least to directly reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide:
A. **The widespread use of carpooling and public transportation.**
This option would reduce carbon dioxide emissions from personal vehicle use, hence positively impacting atmospheric CO2 levels.
B. **The reforestation of large areas of Amazon wilderness in Brazil.**
Reforestation would sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as plants absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, thus contributing significantly to reducing atmospheric CO2.
C. **Discontinued use of coal power plants, in favor of nuclear plants.**
Ceasing coal power generation in favor of nuclear energy would dramatically reduce carbon dioxide emissions, as nuclear power does not produce CO2 during operation.
D. **The conversion of restaurant grease to bio-diesel fuel for use by motorists.**
While this may contribute to some reduction in fossil fuel use, the burning of bio-diesel still releases CO2. The net effect on atmospheric CO2 levels is generally less direct compared to the aforementioned options.
Considering these analyses, **D (the conversion of restaurant grease to bio-diesel fuel for use by motorists)** would do the least to directly reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide, as it still involves combustion, which contributes CO2 to the atmosphere, albeit from a renewable source.
A. **The widespread use of carpooling and public transportation.**
This option would reduce carbon dioxide emissions from personal vehicle use, hence positively impacting atmospheric CO2 levels.
B. **The reforestation of large areas of Amazon wilderness in Brazil.**
Reforestation would sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as plants absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, thus contributing significantly to reducing atmospheric CO2.
C. **Discontinued use of coal power plants, in favor of nuclear plants.**
Ceasing coal power generation in favor of nuclear energy would dramatically reduce carbon dioxide emissions, as nuclear power does not produce CO2 during operation.
D. **The conversion of restaurant grease to bio-diesel fuel for use by motorists.**
While this may contribute to some reduction in fossil fuel use, the burning of bio-diesel still releases CO2. The net effect on atmospheric CO2 levels is generally less direct compared to the aforementioned options.
Considering these analyses, **D (the conversion of restaurant grease to bio-diesel fuel for use by motorists)** would do the least to directly reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide, as it still involves combustion, which contributes CO2 to the atmosphere, albeit from a renewable source.