# Describe how the combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles contributes to the greenhouse effect and leads to climate change.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620) — 10.3 Air quality and climate · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Combustion of fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide (and water vapour)
2. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that absorbs / traps heat (infrared radiation) from the Earth's surface
3. The absorbed energy is re-emitted back towards the Earth, warming the atmosphere / preventing heat from escaping into space
4. Increased concentration of greenhouse gases causes enhanced greenhouse effect, leading to global warming / climate change (e.g. rising sea levels, more extreme weather)

## Key terms

- [combustion](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/combustion)
- [greenhouse effect](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/greenhouse-effect)
- [climate change](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/climate-change)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-the-combustion-of-fossil-5ed8a542) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.