Question

Automobiles are powered by combustion-engine technology. Combustion engines run when a fuel, such as gasoline, is burned. During the burning process, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. How has the widespread use of combustion-engine technology most likely affected the environment? A. It has caused an increase in the amount of biodiversity on Earth. B. It has caused an increase in global temperatures. C. It has caused a decrease in the amount of rainfall. D. It has caused a decrease in the amount of respiratory diseases.

Answer 1

The widespread use of combustion-engine technology:

B. It has caused an increase in global temperatures.

Step-by-step explanation:

As explained in the excerpt, combustion engines emit greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide. Greenhouse gases trap the Sun's heat in our planet. They allow sunlight the come in through the atmosphere, but prevent its heat from going out. The obvious consequence of that process is the increase in temperatures. As temperatures rise, the oceans become warmer, which causes certain types of marine life to die. Another problem is that certain areas in the planet become drier, more similar to deserts, while other areas suffer with constant rainfall and floods, as well as hurricanes. The gases released by such engines are also pollutants, which means they cause respiratory diseases. Having all that in mind, we can see that the best option is:

B. It has caused an increase in global temperatures.