Question

Scientists are trying to reduce the amounts of carbon dioxide and methane that enter the atmosphere. Which statement explains what will most likely happen as a result of these efforts?

These efforts will cause Earth’s average temperature to increase.
These efforts will decrease the amount of heat that the atmosphere traps.
These efforts will reduce the amount of sunlight that reflects off the clouds.
These efforts will allow more thermal energy to enter the atmosphere.

Answer 1

These efforts will decrease the amount of heat that the atmosphere traps.

Explanation: Carbon dioxide and methane are greenhouse gases that absorb and re-radiate thermal energy. Reducing their concentrations weakens the greenhouse effect, so the atmosphere traps less heat and Earth's average temperature would tend to decrease (or rise more slowly).