Registered Environmental Manager (REM) Practice Exam

What is a core goal of the Paris Agreement?

1. To increase energy consumption globally

2. To strengthen responses to climate change

3. To prioritize industrial development over environmental concerns

4. To encourage deforestation for agricultural purposes

The correct answer is: To strengthen responses to climate change

The core goal of the Paris Agreement is to strengthen responses to climate change. This international treaty aims to unite countries in the effort to mitigate climate change effects by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with a target of 1.5 degrees Celsius. It recognizes the urgent need for all nations to enhance their climate action plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and regularly update these plans to reflect their highest possible ambition in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The emphasis on strengthening climate responses highlights the collaborative nature of the agreement, where all signed countries commit to take progressive steps towards a more sustainable and resilient future. This goal aligns with the scientific consensus on the need to limit temperature rise to avert the most dangerous impacts of climate change. The other choices do not align with the objective of the Paris Agreement. Increasing energy consumption globally contradicts efforts to reduce emissions and energy use. Prioritizing industrial development over environmental concerns goes against the foundational purpose of the treaty, which seeks sustainable development pathways that address environmental issues. Lastly, encouraging deforestation undermines efforts to combat climate change, as forests play a critical role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Thus, the focus on strengthening responses to climate change is