Text 1: Climate scientist Dr. Jennifer Zhao supports geoengineering research. "Solar radiation management could buy time while emissions reductions scale up," Zhao argues. "Dismissing these technologies limits our options for addressing climate emergency."
Text 2: Environmental ethicist Dr. Mark Torres warns against geoengineering reliance. "Research into planetary manipulation creates moral hazard," Torres contends. "If policymakers believe a technological fix exists, they'll reduce pressure for emissions cuts—the only real solution."
What does Torres suggest might be an unintended consequence of the research Zhao advocates?
That the research would be too expensive to conduct
That it might reduce commitment to fundamental emissions reductions
That climate change isn't actually occurring
That solar radiation has no effect on temperature
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Torres explicitly warns geoengineering research creates "moral hazard" by reducing "pressure for emissions cuts." The unintended consequence is weakened commitment to fundamental solutions.
- Evidence: Torres: believed technological fix reduces pressure for real change.
- Reasoning: Research promise undermines action on root causes.
- Conclusion: The danger is displaced effort toward emissions reduction.
Choice A is incorrect because cost isn't Torres's concern. Choice C is incorrect because both acknowledge climate change. Choice D is incorrect because scientific premises aren't disputed.