Question Set 2: Right now, developed countries face a tricky energy situation. They’ve already burned a ton of carbon for their growth, and it’s causing a heating planet with crazy weather. People in these places are stressed about climate change, but also about keeping warm this winter. In the US, gas prices shot up in the summer, making folks cut back on travel. Now prices are down, and it’s back to normal.

The weird thing is, this energy mess is giving a boost to the struggling fossil fuel industry. Governments are asking for more, and Europe is even calling natural gas “clean.” The US passed a climate bill, but it’s tied to spending more on oil and gas. They want to build up renewable energy, like solar, but it’s a bit of a mixed bag. It’s a tough time, but it could be a good time too, with a catch.

We need to make sure this return to fossil fuels is just a short-term fix. Once we invest in it or find more oil and gas, it’s hard to stop. Also, these countries shouldn’t get a free pass to use more fossil fuels in our world where carbon budgets are tight. They need to cut emissions big time and leave some room for poorer countries to use what’s left of the carbon budget.

Previous Year Question Set 2

Question: Which of the following is the author most likely to agree with?

(A) Many folks in the US don’t seem too concerned about climate change.

(B) In the US, people are actually worried about climate change, and these worries impact how they use energy more than anything else.

(C) Climate change has led to higher energy prices globally. Because of this, governments worldwide have had to focus on discovering new, renewable energy sources.

(D) When it comes to changes in energy use in the US, it’s the cost of energy that seems to have a bigger impact than concerns about climate change.

Question: What other statement aligns closely with the author’s observations on developed countries showing a newfound enthusiasm for fossil fuels?

(A) It is crucial for developed countries to shift their focus away from investing in fossil fuel energy extraction. Instead, they should immediately cease all consumption of fossil fuels to address environmental concerns and promote sustainable practices.

(B) It’s important for developed nations to acknowledge the challenges of transitioning away from fossil fuels. By proactively embracing alternative and renewable energy sources, they can contribute to positive change and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

(C) Recognizing the high costs associated with energy extraction investments, developed countries should commit to making consistent and long-term investments in renewable energy, steering away from reliance on fossil fuels.

(D) Developing countries should strive to minimize their consumption of fossil fuels. Meanwhile, wealthier nations should take responsibility for the remaining carbon budget space, emphasizing a fair distribution of environmental impact.

Question: Based on what’s mentioned in the passage, what can we confidently say is definitely true among the following options?

(A) In the near future, developing countries are likely to experience a drop in sales for the fossil fuel industry, but over the long term, there’s expected to be a boost in sales.

(B) The cost of producing, setting up, and using solar panels is anticipated to significantly decrease in the upcoming years.

(C) Getting a bill passed in the U.S. involves a monumental effort, and the recent energy crisis played a crucial role in motivating lawmakers to pass the new climate bill.

(D) For the fossil fuel industry in developing countries, there’s projected to be a short-term surge in business, at least for now.

Question: Which statement, if proven true, would cast the most doubt on the author’s explanation for the decrease in travel and fuel consumption in the United States during the summer?

(A) People love going on trips throughout the year, but sometimes the only thing holding them back is the cost. When travel expenses are reasonable, it’s hard to keep them from exploring, regardless of the season.

(B) Airline tickets got more expensive because fuel prices went up. As a result, fewer folks could afford to buy plane tickets and take those dream vacations.

(C) Last summer in the US, strict lockdowns were put in place, making people travel less. The weather was pretty mild, so folks didn’t have to use a lot of energy to heat or cool their homes.

(D) In the first half of the year, global tensions caused fuel prices to skyrocket during the summer. Fortunately, prices have come down a bit since then, making fuel a little more budget-friendly in the US.

Question: Which of the following, if true, would resolve the ‘conundrum’ the author says developed countries face now?

(A) Let’s work on getting more renewable energy options soon so we can use less fossil fuels and take better care of our planet.

(B) We need to discover new sources of fossil fuels to make sure everyone has enough energy to keep their homes warm in the winter.

(C) How about we start using renewable energy right away? It might mean less energy for some people, but it’s better for the environment.

(D) It’s important to help poorer countries so they can use clean energy too. Let’s give them the support they need to develop renewable power sources.

Question: Why might the U.S. climate bill struggle to effectively reduce fossil fuel consumption?

(A) While the bill does support investments in renewable energy, it falls short in adequately boosting funding for the development of additional sources of fossil fuel-powered energy.

(B) The bill is filled with technical jargon, making it difficult for regular folks to grasp its content easily.

(C) The bill seems contradictory, linking investments in renewable energy to increased spending on oil and gas. Additionally, it opens up millions of hectares of federal land for drilling, potentially leading to higher fossil fuel consumption.

(D) The bill lacks provisions for expanding carbon budgets, which are essential for creating more leeway to accommodate increased fossil fuel consumption.

Answers

1. B
2. A
3. D
4. C
5. A
6. D

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