Is the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere currently higher than it was 100 years ago?

Prepare for the UCF PHY1038 Physics of Energy, Climate Change, and Environment Exam. Utilize flashcards, multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to ace your exam. Begin your study journey now!

Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are indeed higher now than they were 100 years ago, making "true" the accurate response. Over the past century, human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and various industrial processes have significantly increased the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere.

Historically, CO2 levels have been monitored and measured systematically since the late 1950s, with the Mauna Loa Observatory providing a continuous record of atmospheric CO2. These records indicate a notable increase from around 300 parts per million in the late 1950s to over 400 parts per million in recent years, highlighting the acceleration of greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on climate change.

It is critical to recognize that while CO2 levels have fluctuated naturally over geological timescales, the sharp rise observed in the last century is linked directly to anthropogenic influences and has significant implications for global warming and climate patterns. Therefore, the assertion that CO2 levels are higher now than they were 100 years ago is well supported by scientific data and research.

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