Question 5

Extracting natural gas using offshore oil drilling has a negative global impact.

This practice leads to significant environmental degradation, including oil spills, habitat destruction, and the release of greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change.

A) Building terraces on sloping lands for agriculture

This method is primarily aimed at reducing soil erosion and improving agricultural productivity. While it modifies the landscape, it generally promotes environmental sustainability rather than causing negative global impacts.

B) Recreational fishing using catch and release technique

This fishing practice aims to minimize the impact on fish populations and ecosystems by allowing caught fish to survive after being released. It is considered a responsible method of fishing that does not entail significant global harm.

C) Extracting natural gas using offshore oil drilling

This option represents a significant human modification to the environment that results in a range of negative effects, such as ecosystem disruption, risk of oil spills, and contribution to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions.

D) Planting trees native to the environment

This action is beneficial as it helps restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and combat climate change. It does not result in negative global impacts and is often seen as a positive modification to the environment.

Conclusion

Extracting natural gas using offshore oil drilling is the only option that directly results in widespread environmental harm and global consequences. In contrast, the other options either promote environmental health or mitigate negative impacts, highlighting why C is the correct choice and the only one that exemplifies detrimental human modification of the physical environment.