Question

Question: The graph below shows atmospheric carbon dioxide levels since the year 1880. Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from this graph? (SC.912.N.1.1)

Answers:

Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are responsible for global temperature change

Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have been rising at about the same rate for the past century.

Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have remained the same over the past century.

Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have been rising at an increasingly higher rate as the past century has progressed.

Answer 1

Answer: Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have been rising at an increasingly higher rate as the past century has progressed.

Reason: the graph shows an upward trend with the slope getting steeper in recent decades (accelerating increase). The other statements are not supported: you cannot infer causation with temperature from this graph, and the levels clearly did not remain the same or rise at a constant rate.