Question

Which of the following is mismatched?

• A. Fossil fuel burning – Release of CO₂
• B. Nuclear power – Radioactive wastes
• C. Solar energy – Greenhouse effect
• D. Biomass burning – Release of CO₂

Answer 1

The correct option is C Solar energy – Greenhouse effect

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface. When the Sun’s energy reaches the Earth’s atmosphere, some of it is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases include water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone and some artificial chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The absorbed energy warms the atmosphere and the surface of the Earth. This process maintains the Earth’s temperature at around 33 degrees Celsius – warmer than it would otherwise be, allowing life on Earth to exist.