Explain how the burning of fossil fuels contributes to climate change.

Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) — 8.2 Earth and atmospheric science · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

The concentration of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere has increased significantly since the Industrial Revolution, when the widespread burning of fossil fuels began.

Model answer (4 marks)

1. Burning fossil fuels releases CO₂ into the atmosphere.
2. CO₂ is a greenhouse gas that absorbs and re‑emits infra‑red radiation.
3. The higher CO₂ concentration strengthens the greenhouse effect.
4. The enhanced greenhouse effect raises the average temperature of the Earth, causing climate change.

Examiner tips

Use the exact wording from the mark scheme (e.g., "traps infra‑red radiation").
Show the causal chain: fuel → CO₂ → greenhouse effect → temperature rise.
Keep each point short and to the point to fit the 4‑mark limit.

Common mistakes

Writing extra information such as "methane" or "solar radiation" that isn’t asked for.
Using vague terms like "greenhouse gases" without specifying CO₂.
Failing to mention the temperature rise or climate change explicitly.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps infra-red radiation
The increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere enhances the greenhouse effect
This causes the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere to rise, leading to climate change

Key terms in this question

climate change