Question

The increase in mean global temperature since the industrial revolution falls in the range of

• A. 0 °C to 0.5 °C
• B. 0.5 °C to 2 °C
• C. 2 °C to 5 °C
• D. > 5 °C

Hint:

Remember: as of today, global warming since pre-industrial levels is around \(1.1^\circ \text{C}\). The Paris Agreement targets keeping warming below \(2^\circ \text{C}\), ideally \(1.5^\circ \text{C}\).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Increase in Mean Global Temperature since the Industrial Revolution

Step 1: Historical context.

Since the mid-19th century (Industrial Revolution), greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning and deforestation have increased atmospheric CO\(_2\) and other GHGs, driving global warming.

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Step 2: Observed global temperature rise.

According to the IPCC and other scientific reports, global average surface temperature has risen by approximately \(\sim 1.1^\circ \text{C}\) above pre-industrial levels as of the 2010s–2020s.

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Step 3: Match to answer ranges.

• (A) \(0 - 0.5^\circ \text{C}\): Too low; valid only by early 20th century.
• (B) \(0.5 - 2^\circ \text{C}\): Correct, observed increase lies here.
• (C) \(2 - 5^\circ \text{C}\): Projected for future scenarios, not past.
• (D) \(> 5^\circ \text{C}\): Far beyond observed values.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{(B)\; 0.5^\circ \text{C to } 2^\circ \text{C}} \]