Question

read the paragraph.

climate change resulting from greenhouse gases is a serious issue that demands immediate action. throughout the world, we can already see the significant effects of climate change on people and natural habitats.

what would make the best counterargument and rebuttal?

• you may not think climate change is a serious issue, but you will when it directly affects your life.
• a few scientists prefer to study climate change using computer models, but there is no substitute for hands-on field work.
• some people say that climate change is the result of natural cycles, but hundreds of scientific studies have linked climate change to human activity.
• i have met people who do not believe in climate change, but they obviously do not pay attention to how the weather has changed over the past ten years.

Explanation:

Analyze the original claim

The paragraph states: "Climate change resulting from greenhouse gases is a serious issue that demands immediate action. Throughout the world, we can already see the significant effects of climate change on people and natural habitats."
The core claim is that climate change is caused by greenhouse gases (human activity) and is a serious issue requiring immediate action.

Evaluate the options for counterargument and rebuttal

• Option 1: "You may not think climate change is a serious issue, but you will when it directly affects your life."
• This uses informal, second-person language ("you") and lacks objective evidence or a strong scientific counterargument.
• Option 2: "A few scientists prefer to study climate change using computer models, but there is no substitute for hands-on field work."
• This discusses methodology rather than addressing the main claim about greenhouse gases causing climate change.
• Option 3: "Some people say that climate change is the result of natural cycles, but hundreds of scientific studies have linked climate change to human activity."
• This presents a clear, common counterargument (that climate change is natural) and immediately refutes it with a strong, evidence-based rebuttal (hundreds of scientific studies linking it to human activity).
• Option 4: "I have met people who do not believe in climate change, but they obviously do not pay attention to how the weather has changed over the past ten years."
• This relies on personal anecdote ("I have met people") and subjective observation rather than a strong, objective counterargument and rebuttal.

Select the best option

Option 3 is the most objective, academically structured, and relevant counterargument and rebuttal.

Answer:

• You may not think climate change is a serious issue, but you will when it directly affects your life.
• A few scientists prefer to study climate change using computer models, but there is no substitute for hands-on field work.
• Some people say that climate change is the result of natural cycles, but hundreds of scientific studies have linked climate change to human activity. (Correct answer)
• I have met people who do not believe in climate change, but they obviously do not pay attention to how the weather has changed over the past ten years.