How does carbon dioxide released by the burning of fossil fuels most likely affect earths climate?
A it causes waterways to freeze at higher temperatures
b it increases the acidity of earths water
c it can contribute to global warming
c it can contribute to global warming
C. It can contribute to global warming.
When fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are burned, carbon dioxide (CO2) is released into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat from the sun and prevents it from escaping back into space, resulting in a phenomenon called the greenhouse effect.
With the burning of fossil fuels, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has been steadily increasing since the industrial revolution. This high concentration of CO2 enhances the greenhouse effect, causing the Earth's temperature to rise. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as global warming.
The increase in global temperature due to elevated carbon dioxide levels can have significant effects on the Earth's climate, including:
- Rising sea levels: As global temperatures rise, glaciers and ice caps melt, leading to an increase in the volume of water in oceans, causing sea levels to rise. This can result in coastal erosion and the displacement of coastal communities.
- Changing weather patterns: Global warming can disrupt weather patterns, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events such as hurricanes, heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall.
- Loss of biodiversity: Climate change can lead to shifts in ecosystems and the loss of habitats, resulting in the loss of species and reduced biodiversity.
It's important to note that carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are not the only factor contributing to climate change. However, they play a significant role in exacerbating the issue.