GCSE Evidence for Climate Change

Global warming

A gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth's atmosphere generally attributed to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, CFCs, and other pollutants.

Orbital changes

Changes in the pathway of the Earth around the Sun.

Instrumental readings

Suggest average world temperatures are increasing

Quaternary period

The period of geological time from about 2.6 million years ago to the present. It is characterized by the appearance and development of humans and includes the Pleistocene and Holocene Epochs.

Retreating glaciers

are melting due to climate change. 90% of glaciers in Antarctica are retreating, melting glaciers at the poles could also affect ocean water movement.

Ice cores

have air bubbles that tell the composition of air from many years ago - shows a very strong link between CO2 concentrations and temperature

Climate change

is a long-term change in the earth's climate, especially a change due to an increase in the average atmospheric temperature.

Seasons shifting

show climate change is happening, autumn starts later and spring comes earlier