Question

the citizens of a town are aware of climate change, and they want to make changes to control it. one change they consider is replacing the nearby thermal power plant with a hydroelectric plant. if they want to make sure this change will help to slow climate change, which question should they ask?
a. is it less expensive to build a hydroelectric power plant than a thermal power plant?
b. does a hydroelectric power plant employ fewer people than a thermal power plant?
c. does a hydroelectric power plant emit less co₂ than a thermal power plant?
d. is the cost of operating a hydroelectric power plant less than the cost of running a thermal power plant?

Explanation:

Climate change is mainly caused by the increase of greenhouse - gas emissions, especially carbon - dioxide ($CO_2$). To slow climate change, the key is to reduce $CO_2$ emissions. Hydroelectric power plants are generally considered to be low - carbon or carbon - free power generation methods compared to thermal power plants which burn fossil fuels and emit a large amount of $CO_2$. Options A, B and D focus on cost and employment, not on the impact on climate change.

Answer:

C. Does a hydroelectric power plant emit less $CO_2$ than a thermal power plant?