Why do scientists believe increased carbon dioxide levels have contributed to the rise in global temperatures over the past 100 years?

Question

A Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas.

B. Carbon dioxide is used by trees to make food.

C. Carbon dioxide is produced by burning fossil fuels.

D. Carbon dioxide is a natural component of the atmosphere.

Answer 1

Scientists believe increased carbon dioxide levels have contributed to the rise in global temperatures over the past 100 years primarily because:

A. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas.

Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, which leads to an increase in global temperatures—a phenomenon commonly referred to as the greenhouse effect.