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

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

> 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.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

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

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" 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/explain-how-the-burning-of-fossil-5a65e0b4) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.