The average temperature of the surface of Earth has increased approximately 1°C in the past century. Which reason best explains this increase in temperature?
higher levels of nitrogen in the atmosphere
higher levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
higher levels of oxygen in the atmosphere
lower levels of ozone in the atmosphere
The reason that best explains the increase in temperature over the past century is higher levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space, resulting in a warming effect known as the greenhouse effect. This has led to an increase in global temperatures, commonly known as global warming. Higher levels of nitrogen, oxygen, or lower levels of ozone do not contribute significantly to global warming.
