Question

George: Some scientists say that global warming will occur because people are releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by burning trees and fossil fuels. We can see, though, that the predicted warming is occurring already. In the middle of last winter, we had a month of springlike weather in our area, and this fall, because of unusually mild temperatures, the leaves on our town’s trees were three weeks late in turning color.

Which one of the following would it be most relevant to investigate in evaluating the conclusion of George’s argument?

(A) whether carbon dioxide is the only cause of global warming
(B) when leaves on the trees in the town usually change color
(C) what proportion of global emissions of carbon dioxide is due to the burning of trees by humans
(D) whether air pollution is causing some trees in the areas to lose their leaves
(E) whether unusually warm weather is occurring elsewhere on the globe more frequently than before

Answer 1

The most relevant investigation would focus on whether unusually warm weather is more common globally, which could support the argument that observed local weather patterns are a sign of broader global warming.

Step-by-step explanation:

When evaluating George's argument that global warming is indicated by local weather patterns such as springlike weather during winter and delayed autumn leaf coloration, it would be most relevant to investigate whether unusually warm weather is occurring elsewhere on the globe more frequently than before. This could help ascertain if the observed local weather variations are part of a broader trend of rising temperatures which scientists attribute to an increase in greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide and methane, from human activities such as fossil fuel combustion and deforestation.