Question

"The graph above shows how global sea level has changed from 1900 to 2010. Which policy will most likely have the greatest effect in reversing the trend shown in the graph?

A) Building seawalls, jetties, artificial reefs, and other structures to retain rising ocean waters.
B) Reducing the emissions of chlorofluorocarbons, which harm the ozone layer.
C) Reducing the global burning of fossil fuels, which add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.
D) Increasing the construction of dams in reservoirs, which help store water on land.
E) Reducing the dumping of wastes in the open ocean and eliminating oil spills in the ocean.

Select the policy that is most likely to have the greatest impact on reversing the trend of rising sea levels."

Answer 1

Reducing the global burning of fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, is the policy that is most likely to have the greatest effect in reversing rising sea levels by addressing the underlying causes of climate change.

Step-by-step explanation:

The policy most likely to have the greatest effect in reversing the trend of rising sea levels depicted in the graph from 1900 to 2010 is reducing the global burning of fossil fuels, which add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Building structures such as seawalls and jetties, although they might protect certain areas temporarily, do not address the root cause of sea level rise. Similarly, while reducing chlorofluorocarbons could help the ozone layer, they have a less direct impact on sea level rise compared to greenhouse gases. Increasing construction of dams could help keep more water on land, and while reducing waste and oil spills in the ocean is crucial for marine health, it would not significantly impact the volume of water that is contributing to rising sea levels.

Climate change is causing sea levels to rise by expanding ocean water and melting glaciers and ice caps. The most effective approach to slow down or even reverse this trend is to target one of the main drivers of climate change, which is the burning of fossil fuels. This strategy aligns with proactive global efforts to manage water resources better, pursue reforestation, and address carbon dioxide emissions for the long-term health of the planet.