# Describe how carbon dioxide emissions from human activity contribute to climate change, and explain one consequence of this for the Earth's environment.

> OCR GCSE Chemistry A: Gateway Science (J248) — C6.3 Interpreting and interacting with Earth systems · Describe · 4 marks

> Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have risen significantly since the Industrial Revolution, largely due to the burning of fossil fuels. Scientists monitor these changes to understand their effects on global climate patterns.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, increasing its concentration
2. Increased carbon dioxide traps more heat / infrared radiation in the atmosphere, causing global temperatures to rise
3. States a valid environmental consequence, e.g. melting of polar ice caps / rising sea levels / more extreme weather events / changes in precipitation patterns
4. Explains why that consequence occurs, e.g. higher temperatures cause ice to melt, adding water to the oceans and so sea levels rise; or warmer oceans increase evaporation leading to more intense storms

## Key terms

- [climate change](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/climate-change)
- [carbon dioxide](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/carbon-dioxide)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Chemistry A: Gateway Science (J248)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-carbon-dioxide-emissions-from-3917fa43) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.