Scientists have collected a lot of information about human activities and their
impact on the environment. Some of that information is contained in the data
table. Humans use fossil fuels for many things including heat, electricity, and gas
for cars. Burning fossil fuels causes carbon dioxide (CO2) to enter the
atmosphere.
Based on patterns in these data, what do you predict might happen if the
population increases every year up to 2050?
Year
1800
1850
1900
1950
1980
2000
2010
Population
(in billions)
1.0
1.3
2.5
4.5
6.0
6.9
CO₂ from Burning Fossil
Fuels
20
20
40
100
300
400
450
Percent CO₂ in
Atmosphere
0.028
0.028
0.029
0.032
0.035
0.037
0.040
a. Carbon dioxide emissions would continue to decrease, and therefore, may
decrease the level of climate change.
O
b. Carbon dioxide emissions would continue to increase, and therefore, may
decrease the level of climate change.
c. Carbon dioxide emissions would continue to increase, and therefore, may increase
the level of climate change.
d. Carbon dioxide emissions will likely not change, and therefore, no change in levels
of climate change will occur.