Acid rain, caused by high levels of sulfur dioxide and mercury trapped in global
air currents, affects one-third of China's territory. Coal-! red power plants are
notorious for emitting large quantities of these pollutants. To combat the
problem, the Chinese national government has set aggressive environmental
goals for the next 5 years. These goals include a 20 percent improvement in
energy efficiency and a pledge that by the end of the 5 years, 10 percent of the
nation's energy will come from renewable resources such as hydroelectric or
wind power.
Which of the following, if true, is the best criticism of the Chinese government's
strategy as a method for achieving a reduction in acid rain?
(A) Some forms of air pollution, such as heavy particulate fumes, would not be
affected by the suggested energy improvements.
(B) Once the changes have been implemented, the actual reduction in acid rain
would vary from region to region.
(C) The goals would be forced on every region in China, including those that have
no problems with acid rain.
(D) Acid rain is also caused by other factors, such as volcanic eruptions or pollution
from neighboring countries, over which China has no control.
(E) Regional Chinese officials tend to ignore environmental regulations in order to
meet aggressive economic requirements imposed on their regions' industries.
air currents, affects one-third of China's territory. Coal-! red power plants are
notorious for emitting large quantities of these pollutants. To combat the
problem, the Chinese national government has set aggressive environmental
goals for the next 5 years. These goals include a 20 percent improvement in
energy efficiency and a pledge that by the end of the 5 years, 10 percent of the
nation's energy will come from renewable resources such as hydroelectric or
wind power.
Which of the following, if true, is the best criticism of the Chinese government's
strategy as a method for achieving a reduction in acid rain?
(A) Some forms of air pollution, such as heavy particulate fumes, would not be
affected by the suggested energy improvements.
(B) Once the changes have been implemented, the actual reduction in acid rain
would vary from region to region.
(C) The goals would be forced on every region in China, including those that have
no problems with acid rain.
(D) Acid rain is also caused by other factors, such as volcanic eruptions or pollution
from neighboring countries, over which China has no control.
(E) Regional Chinese officials tend to ignore environmental regulations in order to
meet aggressive economic requirements imposed on their regions' industries.
