Question

which evidence suggests that earth’s current warming trends are different from earth’s natural climate cycle?

a. the current changes are paired with declining carbon dioxide levels.

b. the current changes are happening much slower than past changes.

c. the current changes are happening much faster than past changes.

d. the current changes are much smaller than in the past

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Current warming is associated with rising (not declining) CO₂ levels due to human activities, so A is incorrect.
• Option B: Natural climate cycles (e.g., ice ages) occur over long periods. Current warming is rapid, not slower, so B is incorrect.
• Option C: Scientific evidence shows current climate change (warming) is happening much faster than natural past climate cycles (e.g., glacial - interglacial transitions), mainly due to human - caused greenhouse gas emissions. This supports that current warming is different.
• Option D: Current warming trends are significant and not smaller than past natural changes in terms of rate (and in some aspects, magnitude in a short time), so D is incorrect.

Answer:

C. The current changes are happening much faster than past changes.