Question

prior to the industrial revolution, increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide were attributed to changes in both the sun’s intensity and earth’s orbit around the sun, as well as volcanic eruptions. during the last 2,000 years earth’s climate has been relatively stable. scientists have identified three changes from this stability: the medieval warm period, 900 - 1300 ad; the little ice age, 1500 - 1850 ad; and most recently, post - industrial revolution. the most recent increases are blamed on
a a wobble in earth’s orbit.
b emissions from unexplained volcanic activity.
c increased emissions of co₂ from human activities.
d increased annual oceanic water temperature that drives co₂ into the air.
e the overpopulation of earth by humans.

Explanation:

The question is about the most recent increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide. The post - industrial revolution period is when human activities (like burning fossil fuels) led to a significant increase in \(CO_2\) emissions. Option A refers to Earth's orbit wobble (a natural, long - term and pre - industrial factor). Option B is about volcanic emissions (volcanic activity's \(CO_2\) contribution is relatively small and not the main recent cause). Option D is about oceanic temperature driving \(CO_2\) (not the main recent cause of increase). Option E is about overpopulation (overpopulation itself doesn't directly cause \(CO_2\) increase, but human activities associated with it do, and option C directly links to human activities' \(CO_2\) emissions). So the correct option is C.

Answer:

C. increased emissions of \(CO_2\) from human activities