Question

The first article that you’ll analyze is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Open this page and select the Human Influence tab. Read the article and list three conclusions the author draws about human involvement in climate change. In two to three sentences, describe the evidence cited that explains each conclusion.

a) Increased carbon dioxide levels from industrial activities
b) Deforestation contributing to loss of biodiversity
c) Rise in global temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions
d) Melting ice caps leading to rising sea levels

Answer 1

Human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions significantly contribute to climate change, leading to increased CO2 levels, loss of biodiversity, and rising global temperatures. Option C is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Human Influence on climate change is a significant factor in current global environmental concerns. Here are three conclusions about the human involvement in climate change:

1. Increased carbon dioxide levels from industrial activities: Scientific consensus agrees that a major driver of climate change is the rise in CO₂ levels due to the burning of fossil fuels. Evidence from ice cores and other indirect methods shows a substantial increase in CO₂ since the industrial revolution, aligning with the timing of industrial activities.
2. Deforestation contributing to loss of biodiversity: With the removal of forests, carbon storage is drastically reduced, leading to increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This contributes not only to increased global warming but also to a loss in biodiversity, as forests are critical habitats for many species.
3. Rise in global temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions: The accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, especially from the burning of fossil fuels, has led to an enhanced greenhouse effect, causing global temperatures to rise. This is seen in long-term temperature records, glacial melting, and changing weather patterns.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and multiple scientific organizations confirm these conclusions, highlighting the urgency for reducing emissions to mitigate further climate change.