Sustainability in Canada
By which year does Canada aim to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions?
2050
Which crop provides about 20% of all calories consumed by humans worldwide, making it the single most important staple food?
Rice
What energy process involves two light atomic nuclei combined to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a significant amount of energy in the process?
Nuclear fusion
Also accept: fusion, thermonuclear fusion, hydrogen fusion (NOT fission)
What layer of the Earth’s atmosphere protects us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation?
The ozone layer
Canada is home to the world’s largest intact forest ecosystem, which stores massive amounts of carbon. What is this forest called?
A. Taiga Shield
B. Boreal Forest
C. Laurentian Forest
D. Great Northern Woods
B: Boreal Forest
Which of the following requires more water to produce per kilogram?
A. Avocado
B. Rice
C. Beef
D. Bison
C. Beef
Which battery technology is a popular alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to its cheap and abundant nature, making it suitable for large-scale energy storage?
A. Sodium-ion batteries
B. Potassium-ion batteries
C. Magnesium-sulfur batteries
D. Aluminum-air batteries
A: Sodium-ion batteries
What atmospheric gas is the most abundant greenhouse gas by volume?
A. Carbon Dioxide
B. Methane
C. Nitrous Oxide
D. Water vapor
D. Water vapor
Canada has one of the largest freshwater supplies in the world. Approximately what percentage of the world’s freshwater is located in Canada?
20%
Which crop is responsible for the majority of global deforestation linked to food production in Southeast Asia, because of its use in products like snacks, cosmetics, and biofuels?
Palm oil
What energy innovation captures carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants/industrial facilities and moves them to locations (like underground) where they can be kept from entering the atmosphere?
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
Also accept: carbon capture, carbon sequestration, CO2 sequestration, carbon capture and sequestration, CCUS, carbon storage
What is the name of the feedback mechanism that causes warming to accelerate as ice melts and darker surfaces absorb more sunlight?
Ice-albedo feedback
Also accept: snow-ice albedo feedback, positive ice feedback
When was the MEJ founded (month AND year)?
October 2021
We asked people: What are the TWO BIGGEST reasons people in Canada have a hard time lowering their carbon footprint?
1. Long travel distances between cities (500)
2. Cold winters increase energy use (400)
3. Heavy reliance on cars (300)
4. People don’t want to change habits (200)
Provide the two MOST IMPORTANT reasons why protecting forests is important for climate policy in Canada.
1. Forests absorb and store carbon dioxide, helping reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (500)
2. Cutting forests releases stored carbon, increasing emissions (400)
3. Forests provide habitats for wildlife and support biodiversity (300)
4. Forests are important for recreation and tourism (200)
Provide the two MOST IMPORTANT reasons why modern tidal turbines might be designed to sit on the ocean floor rather than on the surface.
Getting stronger and more consistent currents, as tidal currents are usually fastest and most stable closer to the ocean floor (500)
Better protection from the weather, as they are less exposed to waves, storms, and surface debris (400)
Reduced impact on ships and improved safety: they stay out of the way of boats and ships, lowering the risk of collisions (300)
Reduced impact on ocean recreation: reducing conflict with fishing, swimming, recreational boating, and improving coastal aesthetics (200)
Provide the two MOST IMPORTANT ways that permafrost thaw contributes to accelerating climate change.
It releases methane and CO2 from decomposing organic matter (greenhouse gas release) (500)
Microbial decomposition: thawing activates microbes that break down previously frozen organic carbon, thus releasing greenhouse gases (400)
Reduces carbon storage capacity, as it reduces Earth’s ability to store carbon (300)
Hydrological changes: it changes the soil moisture and drainage patterns, which influences carbon cycling and emissions (200)
It affects vegetation and ecosystems that normally absorb CO2 and alters land surfaces, potentially affecting the regional climate (100)
What is the name of this SPF project, which is the oldest student-run urban garden on campus, providing students with the opportunity to learn skills related to food security and sustainable urban design?
Campus crops