Activity 8-3 Graphing Changes in Carbon Dioxide

Graph 1

Graph 2

Graph 3

1.Describe the shape of each graph. These graphs show exponential growth. Each line rises over time. (You should be familiar with exponential, linear, and quadratic curves from math class.)

2.Describe the trends since 1861 for industrial carbon dioxide emissions, carbon dioxide concentration, and average global temperature increase. All three lines rise in a similar fashion, though they are not exactly the same as each other. The graph shows a similar trend in rising industrial carbon dioxide emissions, carbon dioxide concentration and average global temperature increase.

3.“Human combustion of fossil fuels has resulted in rising global temperatures.” How do the results of this activity affect your opinion about this statement. Your answers will vary, but they should reflect an understanding that there is a relationship between emissions, carbon dioxide levels, and increasing temperature. ex. As more carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, more solar energy is absorbed. As a result, temperature increases.