Greenhouse Gases & Climate
Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 9.1.7
Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change
Although the temperature at the Earth’s surface naturally changes, the recent increase in temperature is connected to increasing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.
Scientific consensus on climate change
- The current scientific consensus is that increased greenhouse gas emissions caused by changes to human activity will lead to global climate change.
- This consensus is based upon peer-reviewed evidence.
Models of the climate
- The global climate system is very complicated. This makes it difficult to create accurate models.
- Because of this, people speculate about climate change based on simpler models and inadequate (not enough or not reliable) information.
Misinformation surrounding climate change
- Some people may have reasons to play down the contribution of greenhouse gas emissions to climate change.
- If these biased opinions are published in the media, misinformation can spread.
Test yourself on Greenhouse Gases & Climate
Sources of misinformation regarding climate change
What is the current scientific consensus on climate change based upon?
Why is it difficult for scientists to create accurate models of the Earth's climate?
What is the key difference between the scientific consensus on climate change and misinformation about climate change?
Why might someone who works in an industry that relies on burning fossil fuels downplay the contribution of greenhouse gases to climate change?