What prediction can you make about future levels of carbon dioxide $(CO_2)$ in the atmosphere?
| Year | Carbon Dioxide, $CO_2$ (ppm) |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 317 |
| 1970 | 326 |
| 1980 | 339 |
| 1990 | 354 |
| 2000 | 371 |
| 2010 | 390 |
Answer (2)
Calculate the differences in CO2 levels between consecutive decades.
Determine the average increase in CO2 levels per decade: 14.6 ppm.
Predict the CO2 level for 2020: 390 + 14.6 = 404.6 ppm.
Predict the CO2 level for 2030: 404.6 + 14.6 = 419.2 ppm. The predicted CO2 level in 2030 is 419.2 ppm.
Explanation
Analyzing the Problem We are given the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere from 1960 to 2010 and we want to predict future levels. To do this, we will analyze the trend in the given data and extrapolate it to future years.
Calculating Decade Differences First, let's calculate the increase in CO2 levels for each decade:
1960-1970: 326 − 317 = 9 ppm 1970-1980: 339 − 326 = 13 ppm 1980-1990: 354 − 339 = 15 ppm 1990-2000: 371 − 354 = 17 ppm 2000-2010: 390 − 371 = 19 ppm
So, the differences are 9, 13, 15, 17, and 19 ppm.
Calculating Average Increase Now, let's find the average increase per decade. To do this, we sum the increases and divide by the number of decades (5):
Average increase = 5 9 + 13 + 15 + 17 + 19 = 5 73 = 14.6 ppm per decade.
Predicting Future Levels Now we can predict the CO2 levels for 2020 and 2030 using the average increase:
CO2 level in 2020 = CO2 level in 2010 + Average increase CO2 level in 2020 = 390 + 14.6 = 404.6 ppm
CO2 level in 2030 = CO2 level in 2020 + Average increase CO2 level in 2030 = 404.6 + 14.6 = 419.2 ppm
Final Answer Therefore, based on the given data and a linear extrapolation, we predict the CO2 level in 2020 to be 404.6 ppm and in 2030 to be 419.2 ppm.
Examples
Understanding the trend of CO2 levels is crucial for environmental planning. For example, predicting future CO2 levels helps governments and organizations set targets for emission reductions. If we know that CO2 levels are likely to reach 419 ppm by 2030, we can implement policies to mitigate this increase, such as investing in renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable transportation. This proactive approach allows us to address climate change more effectively and protect our planet for future generations.
By analyzing the trend in historical CO_2 levels, we can predict future levels. The predicted CO_2 level for 2020 is approximately 404.6 ppm, and for 2030, it is approximately 419.2 ppm. This prediction highlights the ongoing increase in atmospheric CO_2 due to human activities.
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