Lesson 2.2 - Carbon and Global Warming

Is there any evidence that an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causes an increase in global warming?  The data in the table below supports this hypothesis.

                                          

When this data is graphed, the results are much more obvious. 

Here is a review of graphing.

  • Every graph should have a title. 
  • Along the vertical axis, decide what you want to graph and generally start at 0 at the origin. Increase the quantities in equal intervals after you know the maximum that you will reach. 
  • For the horizontal axis, decide what you want to graph and use equal units from beginning to end.  For example, if you want to graph the carbon dioxide in the air from 1850 to 1990, start at 1850 and end at 1990 with equal units between. 
  • When all the points are plotted, draw a line to connect all points. 

A sample graph is in the self-check question below.  The assignment asks for a different graph.

From the graphs, you can make inferences.  If you were to make a claim that smoking results in increased lung cancer, there should be data and graphs to support this.  In the case of smoking, the graph should show that as more cigarettes are smoked, the incidence of lung cancer increases.  Similarly, if the amount of carbon dioxide in the air increases, there should be an increase in the average global temperature if you wish to make this claim.  You will see if the facts support this assertion. 

Read page 298 in the textbook and think of how you would respond to numbers 1, 2 and 4 of the "What to Do" part. Then, answer the following questions.

Question 1. Using the table above, make a line graph of the year versus the carbon dioxide production.

Question 2. Answer the four What do you think? questions on page 298 of your textbook.

 

Check your answers with those that follow.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

Question 1. Using the table above, make a line graph of the year versus the carbon dioxide production.

                               

Question 2. Answer the four What do you think? questions on page 298 of your textbook.

1.    The answer to this question depends on your initial hypothesis.  You might say there is no correlation between burning fossil fuels and higher carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere with higher global temperatures, but this does not constitute proof because other factors could also be involved.
2.    The list is very long, but it would include riding a car, heating a house, cooking food, etc.
3.    When fossil fuels are burned, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.
4.    Many things can be done such as walking more or lowering the thermostat, etc.  

 



Now, do Assignment 15B.  Page forward to access it.