Why is it not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row to have record-high surface temperatures? Consider concepts like the greenhouse effect when responding. Select ALL that apply.

Question

A. cities can get hotter than rural areas because of buildings and roads trapping heat. This can make some years hotter in cities, but it doesn't mean the whole world is getting warmer. B. The air around Earth acts like a blanket, trapping heat from the sun. When we burn fossil fuels like coal and gas, it adds more of these heat-trapping gases to the air. This extra heat makes Earth's surface warmer over time. So, it's not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row with the hottest temperatures on record, because we're making the Earth warmer by adding more of these gases. C. Sometimes, Earth's temperature can change naturally because of things like big weather patterns (like El Nino) or changes in how much heat the sun gives off. These natural changes can also make some years hotter without it always meaning the climate is getting warmer overall. D. Sometimes, weather patterns can make a year unusually hot or cold. This can happen without the whole planet getting warmer overall. E. The sun's brightness changes naturally over time, which can affect Earth's temperature. This might explain why some years are hotter, but it's not the main reason for the recent record-high temperatures.

Answer 1

The most relevant options explaining why it is not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row to have record-high surface temperatures, in the context of the greenhouse effect and human contributions to climate change, would be:

B. The air around Earth acts like a blanket, trapping heat from the sun. When we burn fossil fuels like coal and gas, it adds more of these heat-trapping gases to the air. This extra heat makes Earth's surface warmer over time. So, it's not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row with the hottest temperatures on record, because we're making the Earth warmer by adding more of these gases.

C. Sometimes, Earth's temperature can change naturally because of things like big weather patterns (like El Nino) or changes in how much heat the sun gives off. These natural changes can also make some years hotter without it always meaning the climate is getting warmer overall.

E. The sun's brightness changes naturally over time, which can affect Earth's temperature. This might explain why some years are hotter, but it's not the main reason for the recent record-high temperatures.

Options A and D primarily discuss local effects and short-term weather variability, which do not adequately address the overarching issue of long-term climate trends and the influence of greenhouse gases.