Climate Change Climate Change Agriculture & Food Systems 2

Question 1

What is the primary greenhouse gas emitted by livestock through enteric fermentation?

Accepted Answer

Methane (CH4)

Answer

Enteric fermentation in ruminant animals like cattle produces methane, which is released through belching and is a potent short-lived climate pollutant.

Question 2

How does ocean warming and acidification threaten U.S. seafood supply?

Accepted Answer

It disrupts fish migration, bleaches coral reefs, and harms shellfish calcification

Answer

Ocean warming disrupts fish migration patterns, while acidification inhibits shell formation in oysters, clams, and other shellfish critical to the U.S. seafood industry.

Question 3

What is 'food security' in the context of climate change?

Accepted Answer

Consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for all people

Answer

Food security means that all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food—a goal threatened by climate-driven crop failures.

Question 4

How does the USDA's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) help address climate change?

Accepted Answer

It pays farmers to convert environmentally sensitive cropland to vegetation that sequesters carbon

Answer

The CRP provides payments to farmers who retire marginal cropland and establish perennial vegetation, which sequesters carbon, reduces erosion, and improves wildlife habitat.

Question 5

Which shift in consumer diet is estimated to have the greatest potential to reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions?

Accepted Answer

Reducing red meat consumption, especially beef

Answer

Beef production has among the highest greenhouse gas emissions per calorie of any food, so reducing red meat consumption is one of the most impactful dietary changes individuals can make.

Climate Change Practice Test

Climate Change Practice Test

Climate Change Climate Change Agriculture & Food Systems 2