Compared to the levels of 1951 to 1980 and by 2020, the average global temperature has increased by

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Let's break down the question and evaluate each option in turn, keeping in mind what the agreement on global warming science indicates about temperature change since pre-industrial times.
Option a: 'approximately 1.5 degrees Celsius' — This value aligns with widely cited assessments that global average surface temperature has risen by about 1.0 to 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels by the late 20th century, and projections or estimates often place the observed increase near roughly 1.5°C around the period up to 2020. The statement is consistent with mainstream climate literature that identifies around 1.5°C as a notable milestone in recent decades.
Option b: 'less than one degree Celsius' — This underestimates the observed warming by 2020. Multiple authoritative sources report that warming exceeds 1°C above pre-industrial levels well before 2020, with many datasets showing about 1.0–1.2°C by the late 2010s. Saying it is less than one degree would be inaccurate given the consensus measurements.
Option c: 'two degrees Celsius' — This overstates the observed increase by 2020. While the trajectory is projected to reach higher levels in some scenarios by 2100, the actual observed warming by 2020 is not as high as 2°C. Therefore, this option exaggerates the recent warming relative to the timeframe specified.
In summary, each option reflects a possible claim about historical warming, but the most accurate characterization for the period up to 2020 is a rise on the order of about 1.5°C, whereas option b underestimates and option c overestimates the observed increase for that timeframe.

Compared to the levels of 1951 to 1980 and by 2020, the average global temperature has increased bySingle choice

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