Final answer:
A significant increase in global temperature is a likely consequence of rising CO2 levels, leading to climate change with effects like sea level rise and ocean acidification. The predicted temperature increases range from 1.1°C to 6.4°C by the end of the 21st century.
Step-by-step explanation:
A possible consequence of rising CO2 levels includes a significant increase in global temperature, which can lead to complex changes in climate and potentially catastrophic effects for many species. The increase in atmospheric CO2 from pre-industrial levels of 280 ppm to current levels of about 400 ppm is primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. This escalation in CO2, which acts as a greenhouse gas, is predicted to result in a range of environmental impacts, including sea level rise, more extreme weather events, and acidification of the oceans, ultimately posing a severe threat to biodiversity and human societies.
The strongest evidence of these consequences of elevated CO2 comes from complex mathematical models predicting further increases in global temperatures, ranging from an increase of 1.1°C to as much as 6.4°C in the 21st century. These models, while containing some uncertainty, underscore the serious nature of the climate crisis and underscore the need for a shift to non-carbon energy sources such as hydro, solar, wind, and nuclear power.