Greenhouse Gases & Climate
Chemistry: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 9.1.8
Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change
Although the Earth’s temperature naturally fluctuates (changes), the recent increase in temperature correlates with (is connected to) increasing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.
Scientific consensus
- 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
- 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 simples models and inadequate (not enough or not reliable) information.
Misinformation
- Some people may have motives (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 regarding climate change based upon?
How complex is the global climate system?
What motives might people have to play down the contribution of greenhouse gas emissions to climate change?