Chapter 1 Multiple Choice Questions

. Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between science and environmental politics?

There is no role for science in politics.

Science and politics are interconnected in complex ways.

Science can objectively define environmental problems and also identify the most scientifically accurate policy solution.

Scientists are controlled by vested interests within environmental politics that influence their research.

. In which scenario is international cooperation on environmental issues more likely?

When there is scientific evidence that one country could solve an environmental issue on its own.

When scientific evidence of an environmental issue arises during a time of international war.

When there is sufficient scientific evidence that one environmental issue requires action from more than one country.

When there is scientific evidence that an issue could have severe socio-economic impacts.

. Which of the following statements accurately describes the cultural cognition hypothesis?

All cultures understand science differently.

The more a culture values scientific understanding, the more seriously that culture will consider environmental problems.

Scientific findings will influence how a culture perceives of environmental problems.

People interpret scientific findings to support their initial position.

. Which of the following is NOT a way in which an epistemic community might influence international environmental governance?

By organizing a campaign to shame a corporation that is violating environmental regulations.

By using their expert authority to persuade policymakers in international negotiations to agree to a particular policy option.

By producing scientific research that suggests a particular form of policy response that should be used to address an environmental problem.

By framing an environmental problem in a way that will make policymakers concerned about the problem.

. What is one way governments influence our understanding of environmental problems?

By requiring scientists to communicate the findings of their research to the public.

By mandating that everyone accepts environmental problems as real.

By allocating funding to specific scientific disciplines, which in turn produce particular conceptions of how the world works.

By banning environmental scientists that hold specific viewpoints from obtaining employment.

. What is an example of a task that science cannot accomplish on its own?

Deciding whether a given level of risk is acceptable.

Identifying the impacts of climate change on whale populations.

Mapping sources of air pollution.

Determining whether there is a hole in the ozone layer.

. Is it important to pay attention to who is considered an expert, and what types of knowledge are considered credible or authoritative by decision makers?

Yes, because experts fully dictate what policymakers do.

Yes, because those who are considered experts, or who utilize knowledge that is considered authoritative, have a greater claim to political influence.

No, because experts have the same opportunities to shape policy as everyone else.

No, because all types of knowledge can contribute to decision makers' understanding of environmental issues and their impacts.

. Which of the following is NOT an example of an activity that scientists and decision makers collaborate on within boundary organizations?

Making legally binding commitments on behalf of countries to enact certain policies.

Designing a model and discussing what assumptions underline it.

Bringing stakeholders together to conduct an impact assessment.

Identifying indicators that help explain how an environmental problem may impact certain communities.

. Which of the following accurately describes the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change?

The Panel is strictly scientific, and therefore political considerations do not influence its work.

The Panel conducts original research to enhance our understanding of climate change.

The Panel is evenly balanced with equal numbers of Panel members coming from every country of the world.

The Panel is a scientific body, yet it is also an important site of contestation within international climate politics.

. Which of the following does NOT describe the relationship between science and politics?

Science and politics co-produce each other.

Science has no role to play in informing environmental policy-making.

Scientists can persuade policymakers to act a certain way.

Scientific knowledge is not neutral, meaning it is based on certain value judgements and normative assumptions.

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