Question

the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide hasvaried over the past 400 000 years. for most of this time,there was no industrial activity. why, then, do we thinkthat the present increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide isdue to human activities? state two reasons.

Answer 1

The present increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide is believed to be due to human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The present increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide is believed to be due to human activities for two primary reasons:

1. Burning of Fossil Fuels: The combustion of fossil fuels, such as gasoline, coal, and natural gas, releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These activities have greatly increased over the past few centuries due to industrialization and modern society.
2. Deforestation: The clearing of forests reduces the number of autotrophic organisms that use carbon dioxide in photosynthesis, leading to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.