CO₂ and Temperature: Key Data

Part of Climate Change · Section 9 of 17

Key FactsUnit: AtmosphereGCSE

Year	CO₂ (ppm)	Temperature Change
Pre-industrial (1750)	280	Baseline (0°C)
1950	310	+0.5°C
2000	370	+0.8°C
2023	420+	+1.1°C

Key point: This correlation reflects a causal mechanism — the enhanced greenhouse effect is well understood through physics, not just statistical correlation.

This key facts covers CO₂ and Temperature: Key Data within Climate Change for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Climate Change in Atmosphere for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 9 of 17 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Practice questions for Climate Change

Which statement correctly describes the difference between weather and climate?

A. Weather is the long-term average conditions; climate is what happens on one day
B. Weather is short-term atmospheric conditions; climate is the long-term average of those conditions
C. Weather refers to temperature only; climate refers to rainfall only
D. Weather and climate mean the same thing

1 markfoundation

Explain three consequences of climate change for the environment or human populations. [3 marks]

3 marksstandard

Quick recall flashcards

How have CO₂ levels changed since 1880?

Increased from 280 ppm to over 420 ppm (a 50% increase)

At what rate is Arctic sea ice declining?

13% per decade

Key Definitions

Worked Example: CO₂ from Fuel Combustion

20 questions on Climate Change: practise free

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