BioBeyond - Designer Planet Questions
and Answers
In 1991 an event occurred which changed the Earth's albedo temporarily - what was that event?
A massive volcanic eruption
If human-made aerosols were introduced into the atmosphere, how could they help reach your
warming target? Aerosols reduce the amount of solar energy reaching Earth, reducing its
temperature
What would be the impact on Earth's climate of reducing the brightness of the Sun? Less
energy would arrive at Earth, and the overall temperature would drop
If carbon dioxide is behind the warming trend, why not just remove carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere? What effect might this idea have on Earth's climate? Carbon dioxide
concentrations and temperatures would drop slowly
Think back to your experiences with photosynthesis - what is a benefit to humans that might
come from biomass absorption of carbon dioxide that wouldn't come from factories liquifying
and storing it? Select all that apply. More oxygen will be present in the atmosphere
Some of the biomass might be able to be eaten or turned into fuel
Think about your plan for a moment. What are some human consequences of your plan? Will
cities, states, and countries be flooded? What about agriculture? What about the cost of
technologies? There will be an increase of water availability in higher altitudes, with a
and Answers
In 1991 an event occurred which changed the Earth's albedo temporarily - what was that event?
A massive volcanic eruption
If human-made aerosols were introduced into the atmosphere, how could they help reach your
warming target? Aerosols reduce the amount of solar energy reaching Earth, reducing its
temperature
What would be the impact on Earth's climate of reducing the brightness of the Sun? Less
energy would arrive at Earth, and the overall temperature would drop
If carbon dioxide is behind the warming trend, why not just remove carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere? What effect might this idea have on Earth's climate? Carbon dioxide
concentrations and temperatures would drop slowly
Think back to your experiences with photosynthesis - what is a benefit to humans that might
come from biomass absorption of carbon dioxide that wouldn't come from factories liquifying
and storing it? Select all that apply. More oxygen will be present in the atmosphere
Some of the biomass might be able to be eaten or turned into fuel
Think about your plan for a moment. What are some human consequences of your plan? Will
cities, states, and countries be flooded? What about agriculture? What about the cost of
technologies? There will be an increase of water availability in higher altitudes, with a
