CO₂ and Temperature: Key Data

Part of Climate Change · Section 9 of 17

Key FactsUnit: AtmosphereGCSE

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.

📋 CO₂ and Temperature: Key Data

YearCO₂ (ppm)Temperature Change
Pre-industrial (1750)280Baseline (0°C)
1950310+0.5°C
2000370+0.8°C
2023420++1.1°C

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

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

20 questions on Climate Change — practise free

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