This key facts covers Key Facts About Climate Change 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 5 of 17 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
📊 Key Facts About Climate Change
- Global average temperature has risen by 1.1°C since pre-industrial times
- CO₂ levels have increased from 280 ppm to over 420 ppm since 1880 (50% increase)
- Weather = short-term conditions (hours/days); Climate = long-term averages (30+ years)
- Sea levels have risen 23 cm since 1880 due to thermal expansion and ice melt
- Arctic sea ice is declining by 13% per decade
- Main human cause: enhanced greenhouse effect from burning fossil fuels
- Fossil fuel burning accounts for ~75% of human CO₂ emissions
- Deforestation contributes ~11% of global CO₂ emissions
Practice questions for Climate Change
Which statement correctly describes the difference between weather and climate?
Explain three consequences of climate change for the environment or human populations. [3 marks]
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