Question

If the proportion of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere decreased significantly but the amount of atmosphere and the reflective properties of the atmosphere did not change, which effect would most likely occur?(1 point)

The temperature of Earth’s surface would decrease because more heat would escape into space.

The temperature of Earth’s surface would increase because more heat would be trapped by the atmosphere.

The temperature of Earth’s surface would decrease because less solar energy would reach Earth.

The temperature of Earth’s surface would increase because more solar energy would reach Earth.

Answer 1

The temperature of Earth’s surface would decrease because more heat would escape into space.

Less CO2 weakens the greenhouse effect, so the atmosphere would trap less outgoing infrared radiation, allowing more heat to escape and cooling the surface.