AQA · GCSE · Chemistry
Course version: 8462 · Version from Sept 2018
Based on peer-reviewed evidence, many scientists believe that human…
Full specification wording
Human activities which contribute to an increase in greenhouse gases in the: Based on peer-reviewed evidence, many scientists believe that human activities will cause the temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere to increase at the surface and that this will result in global climate change.
Peer-reviewed evidence means research checked by other experts before publication.
Checked against the AQA 8462 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 6
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Peer-reviewed evidence means research checked by other experts before publication. Many scientists use this evidence to conclude that human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and farming livestock, increase greenhouse gas concentrations. These gases absorb infrared radiation, so more heat is trapped and the average surface temperature rises. This warming is expected to cause global climate change, including altered weather patterns, rising sea levels and shifts in habitats. For example, ice core data and temperature records show a correlation between rising carbon dioxide and global temperature. The statement uses ‘many scientists believe’ because scientific conclusions are based on the weight of evidence, not absolute proof.
What earns the marks
- Peer-reviewed evidence is research that has been checked by other scientists before publication.
- Human activities increase greenhouse gas concentrations, which strengthens the greenhouse effect.
- Increased greenhouse effect leads to a rise in average surface temperature.
- Rising temperatures are expected to cause global climate change, such as changing weather patterns and sea level rise.
- The conclusion is based on the weight of peer-reviewed evidence, so many scientists accept it.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Stating that all scientists agree without qualification.
Put it right by saying many scientists accept the conclusion based on evidence.
Confusing weather with climate.
Put it right by defining climate as long-term average conditions.
Claiming the greenhouse effect is entirely human-made.
Put it right by explaining it is natural but enhanced by human activities.
Exam tips
- Use the phrase peer-reviewed evidence to show you understand why the conclusion is reliable.
- Link the increase in greenhouse gases to the enhanced greenhouse effect and then to surface temperature rise.
- Give a consequence of climate change, such as melting ice or changing rainfall, to show understanding of global climate change.
Try the lesson
The start of the Human activities which contribute to an increase in greenhouse gases in the: Based on peer-reviewed evidence, many scientists believe that human activities will cause the temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere to increase at the surface and that this will result in global climate change. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Based on peer-reviewed evidence, many scientists believe that human activities are causing the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere to increase. What is the primary consequence of this increase in surface temperature?
Listen
Peer-reviewed evidence means research checked by other experts before publication. Many scientists use this evidence to conclude that human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and farming livestock, increase greenhouse gas concentrations. These gases absorb infrared radiation, so more heat is trapped and the average surface temperature rises. This warming is expected to cause global climate change, including altered weather patterns, rising sea levels and shifts in habitats. For example, ice core data and temperature records show a correlation between rising carbon dioxide and global temperature. The statement uses ‘many scientists believe’ because scientific conclusions are based on the weight of evidence, not absolute proof. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Peer-reviewed evidence is research that has been checked by other scientists before publication. Human activities increase greenhouse gas concentrations, which strengthens the greenhouse effect. Increased greenhouse effect leads to a rise in average surface temperature. Rising temperatures are expected to cause global climate change, such as changing weather patterns and sea level rise. A common slip: Stating that all scientists agree without qualification. Instead, saying many scientists accept the conclusion based on evidence. Exam tip: Use the phrase peer-reviewed evidence to show you understand why the conclusion is reliable.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Peer-reviewed evidence
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Global climate change
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Surface temperature rise
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See every definition
- Peer-reviewed evidence
- Research that has been checked by other experts before publication.
- Global climate change
- A change expected to result from the rise in the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere at the surface.
- Surface temperature rise
- An increase in the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere at the surface, expected because human activities increase greenhouse gas concentrations.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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