Since the time Arrhenius made his prediction, the carbon dioxide concentration has risen by about 30% and the global average temperature has risen by about 1°C. Which statement below best describes how scientists should evaluate Arrhenius’s prediction?

Question

A. The actual change is so much lower than Arrhenius predicted that we must conclude he was wrong in his assumption that a rising carbon dioxide concentration would lead to global warming.

B. The actual change is so much higher than Arrhenius predicted that we must conclude that he was incorrect in assuming that the carbon dioxide concentration affects the climate.

C. Although Arrhenius’s prediction was not exact, the actual change is similar enough to the predicted change to validate the general idea that a rising carbon dioxide concentration would lead to global warming.

D. We cannot evaluate Arrhenius’s prediction, because he made a prediction for a 50% rise in the carbon dioxide concentration and the actual rise since his time has been only about 30%.

Answer 1

Answer: C. Although Arrhenius’s prediction was not exact, the actual change is similar enough to the predicted change to validate the general idea that a rising carbon dioxide concentration would lead to global warming.