Question

how does fossil fuel use relate to atmospheric greenhouse gas levels?
multiple choice
as fossil fuel use has increased there has been a decline in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations
fossil fuel have been used for much of human history while greenhouse gas concentrations have only begun to increase recently so there is not a strong relationship between the two variables.
atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations began increasing around the time of the industrial revolution and accelerated in the 20th century as fossil fuel use has expanded.
greenhouse gas concentrations have been increasing for all of human history, as even early humans used fossil fuels for cooking and warmth.

Explanation:

Fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas release carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) when burned. $CO_2$ is a major greenhouse gas. The Industrial Revolution (18th - 19th centuries) saw a rise in fossil fuel use (e.g., steam engines using coal). In the 20th century, fossil fuel use expanded further (e.g., cars using gasoline, power plants using coal). As fossil fuel combustion increased, more $CO_2$ (a greenhouse gas) was emitted into the atmosphere. So, there's a direct link between rising fossil fuel use and increasing greenhouse gas (especially $CO_2$) concentrations.

• The first option is wrong because more fossil fuel use means more greenhouse gas emissions (not a decline).
• The second option is incorrect. While early human fossil fuel use (e.g., limited wood - which is a biogenic fuel, but later more significant fossil fuel use) was small, the large - scale use from the Industrial Revolution onwards has a strong link to rising greenhouse gases.
• The fourth option is false. Early human use of fuels (like wood for a small number of people) didn't cause the kind of greenhouse gas increase we see. The significant increase is from large - scale, modern fossil fuel use.

Answer:

Atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations began increasing around the time of the industrial revolution and accelerated in the 20th century as fossil fuel use has expanded.