Many scientists think that global air temperature is related to the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The graph below shows changes in global air temperature and changes in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Evaluate evidence for and against the theory that an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causes an increase in air temperature. Use data from the graph above and your own knowledge. – 7092

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1. There is evidence for the theory that carbon dioxide (CO₂) causes global temperature to rise. For example, overall CO₂ levels have gone up, and temperatures have also increased by about 0.4°C. CO₂ traps heat (infrared radiation), which can warm the Earth.However, there is also evidence against the theory. From 1960 to 1977, temperatures actually fell even though CO₂ was rising. Temperature changes have also been quite erratic, with lots of ups and downs. Just because CO₂ and temperature rise together doesn’t mean CO₂ is the only cause — other unknown factors might also play a role.

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