Registered Environmental Manager (REM) Practice Exam

What is the goal of the UNFCCC?

1. To eliminate all greenhouse gases

2. To stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere to prevent dangerous climate interference

3. To promote industrial growth

4. To regulate population growth

The correct answer is: To stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere to prevent dangerous climate interference

The goal of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous interference with the climate system. This objective recognizes the critical link between human activities, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change impacts, aiming to ensure that future generations can enjoy a stable climate environment. The convention was established with the understanding that climate change poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human habitation, and therefore, setting a threshold for greenhouse gas concentrations is vital to mitigating potential adverse effects on global temperatures. The UNFCCC provides a framework for negotiating and implementing strategies that nations can adopt collectively or individually to achieve this stabilization goal, promoting international cooperation to address the challenges of climate change comprehensively. In contrast, the other options either propose unrealistic or unrelated goals. For example, while eliminating all greenhouse gases might seem appealing, it is not feasible due to the essential role that certain greenhouse gases play in maintaining life on Earth, as well as in various industrial and natural processes. Promoting industrial growth and regulating population growth do not directly relate to the primary focus of the UNFCCC, which centers specifically on climate change mitigation through the management of greenhouse gas levels.