10
QuizMultiple Choice

Climate Change — Quiz

Question 10 • Earth and Space Science

Which statement best explains why rising levels of carbon dioxide lead to warmer global temperatures?

Answer
A
Carbon dioxide directly increases sunlight intensity.
B
Carbon dioxide reduces wind circulation, increasing heat.
C
Carbon dioxide blocks cold air from entering the atmosphere.
D
Carbon dioxide traps solar radiation in the atmosphere.

Explanation

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas: it absorbs and re-emits some of the infrared radiation Earth gives off after being warmed by sunlight. This slows the escape of heat to space, raising global temperatures. It does not make sunlight more intense or warm the planet by blocking cold air.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.