Question

What is the likely long-term consequence of an increase in the relative percent of greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere?
a.
Earth’s average temperature will increase.
b.
Earth’s average temperature will decrease.
c.
Earth will experience greater temperature extremes.
d.
Earth’s average temperature will be unaffected.

Answer 1

a. Earth's average temperature will increase.

Explanation: Greenhouse gases trap outgoing infrared radiation from Earth, so increasing their concentration strengthens the greenhouse effect and raises the planet's average temperature.