The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reviews published scientific literature on climate and produces statements related to trends in climate change and its impacts

Question

What has been the general trend in global climate change during the past 50 years?

Part A

(1 point)

Why are global temperatures likely to increase over the next 50 years if humans continue to operate under what the IPCC calls the "business as usual" scenario?

Part B

(2 points)

Part C

How could pollution produced by humans actually reduce global temperatures?

(1 point)

Answer 1

Part A:

Global temperatures are likely to increase over the next 50 years if humans continue to operate under the "business as usual" scenario due to the continued emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. These gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a warming effect known as the greenhouse effect. As more greenhouse gases are emitted, more heat is trapped, causing global temperatures to rise.

Part B:

One way in which pollution produced by humans could potentially reduce global temperatures is through the release of aerosols into the atmosphere. Aerosols can have a cooling effect by reflecting sunlight back into space, reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the Earth's surface. However, it is important to note that aerosols also have negative impacts on air quality and human health, making them an unsustainable solution to counteracting global warming.