Consumption Impacts Earth Practice Test

A coastal city increased electricity use for air conditioning during hotter summers. The electricity comes mostly from a natural-gas power plant that uses seawater for cooling and then releases the warmed water back to the ocean.

Evidence:

• City electricity demand on hot days: 30% higher in 2023 than in 2013
• Power plant cooling-water released back to the ocean: +25% volume on hot days (2023 vs 2013)
• Ocean temperature near the outlet: 1–2°C warmer than nearby water during peak demand hours

Which explanation best connects the consumption pattern to an Earth system impact? (Impacts depend on the amount and rate of use.)

A factory uses water to cool machines and releases the warmed water back into a river. When production increased, the factory’s water use rose from 2 million liters/day to 5 million liters/day. River temperature downstream increased by 2°C during operating hours, and fish were seen avoiding the warmest area. Which statement is best supported by the evidence about how consumption affects Earth systems? (Impacts depend on the amount and rate of use.)