Which of the following represents lines of evidence for climate change and the role of human activities?

• A. The color of clothing people wear
• B. The price of coffee
• C. Temperature records and ice core data; sea level rise; burning fossil fuels increases greenhouse gases
• D. The number of pets in a household

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that climate change and human influence are supported by multiple lines of evidence that come from measurements, historical data, and observed consequences. The best choice brings together several well-established indicators: temperature records show that average global temperatures have risen over recent decades; ice core data reveal how carbon dioxide and temperature have related to each other over long timescales and show that current CO2 levels are unusually high; sea level rise reflects warming through ocean expansion and melting ice; and the link between burning fossil fuels and increasing greenhouse gas concentrations explains why these changes are occurring. Together, these pieces form a coherent picture that the climate is changing and human activities are a major driver.

The other options don’t provide meaningful evidence about climate trends or causes. The color of clothing, the price of coffee, and the number of pets in a household don’t measure or reflect changes in the climate or greenhouse gas emissions.