I. Introduction
In this lab, we will investigate the question, Has climate changed over time?” Our hypothesis is that if CO2 levels affect climate, then the climate has changed over time because of the increased greenhouse effect caused by higher levels of CO2 emissions. The variables we will be examining are:
- Independent Variable: Amount of CO2
- Dependent Variable: Climate change
II. Background Information
Climate refers to the weather patterns in an area over a long period of time.
Climate is focused on long-term changes rather than day-to-day or week-to-week fluctuations. Climate varies depending on the location on the planet due to uneven heating of the Earth’s surface. An area’s climate is affected by factors such as incoming solar energy, Earth’s rotation, and air and water movements. These factors influence different biomes on the planet at varying levels.
The current climate change is caused by the warming of Earth’s atmosphere. Although climate change has occurred naturally throughout history, it has never been to the degree that it is now.
Average global temperature and CO2 levels are rising due to human activity on the planet, such as increased agriculture, livestock farming, and burning of fossil fuels. It is now known that climate change is happening for many reasons. Scientists studying ice cores, seafloor sediment, and tree rings have all observed how climate change is affecting the planet. Even if immediate action is taken to reduce emissions and mitigate its effects, there will still be lasting implications for the entire planet.
Increasing atmospheric temperature could lead to rising sea levels, health implications, and severe droughts. Some areas may experience scorching temperatures while others may be submerged underwater. A warmer climate would also extend the breeding season for microbes and parasites. It is crucial to take action to stop climate change before it worsens.
III. Data Analysis
Upon analyzing the data, it becomes apparent that CO2 levels in the atmosphere have a direct impact on Earth’s climate temperature.
According to the graphs, higher levels of CO2 in the atmosphere correspond to higher average global air temperatures. Graph 1 illustrates how the increase in carbon dioxide has caused a rise in average global air temperature. For instance, in 1965, CO2 ppm was approximately 318ppm and by 2005 it had risen to about 374ppm. This clearly indicates that human activities on the planet have led to an increase in CO2 ppm levels over time. Graph 2 displays the average global temperature over time.
This graph illustrates the dramatic rise in the average global temperature anomaly over approximately 120 years. In 1900, the average global temperature anomaly was -0.1, whereas in 2000 it had almost reached 0.6. Graph 3 displays the relationship between temperature and carbon dioxide over extensive periods of time on Earth, spanning from 400,000 years ago to present day. Throughout this time period, the lines representing temperature and CO2 levels in the atmosphere have remained almost entirely overlapping with each other. The graph also demonstrates how CO2 levels have impacted temperature.
The levels of CO2 have always changed first, either falling or rising, with the temperature following that same trend almost immediately after. Chart 1 shows tree core data over time. The growth of trees is greatly impacted by the climate they grow in. With warmer temperatures due to a warmer climate, they will have a longer growing season allowing for thicker rings. For example, in 1600-1649, the average ring thickness on a tree was 0.24cm. Later, in 1900-1960, the average ring thickness from the same tree was 0.37cm.
The original hypothesis stated that if CO2 levels affect climate, then the climate has changed over time because of the increased greenhouse effect caused by higher levels of CO2 emissions. The data gathered supports and accepts this hypothesis. Multiple studies have shown how both the CO2 parts per million and the average global temperature have risen over time. As the graphs show, the level of CO2 in the atmosphere has a direct impact on the average global temperature, causing it to rise and fall as CO2 levels change.
This lab is crucial for the planet and the everyday lives of everyone on Earth. Climate change affects all life on our planet, and even a one-degree change in average global temperature could result in catastrophic consequences. Despite immediate action, there will still be lasting implications for our planet. We can no longer ignore the changing climate or pretend that it won’t affect us. Humans have had a significant negative impact on the climate, and reversing these impacts is essential not only for ourselves but also for life as we know it.
