Climate change evidence and reporting

Question (6 marks): Most scientists agree that human activities are causing global climate change, but media reports vary widely. Evaluate the reliability of evidence for human-caused climate change and explain why some media reports can be misleading.

Mark scheme (6 marks) — levelled response:

Level 3 (5–6 marks): A coherent answer that:

• Identifies the strength of peer-reviewed scientific evidence (CO₂/CH₄ records, ice cores, temperature data, climate models) (1)
• Links increased CO₂ and CH₄ since the Industrial Revolution to combustion of fossil fuels, deforestation and agriculture (1)
• Explains likely consequences (sea-level rise from melting ice and thermal expansion, changing weather patterns, species distribution) (1)
• Explains that media reports may be biased, oversimplified, speculative, or based on opinion rather than evidence (1)
• Notes limited word count / time on TV, journalists may lack scientific training, or sources may have vested interests (1)
• Concludes with an evaluative judgement that peer-reviewed evidence is more reliable than most media reporting (1)

Level 2 (3–4 marks): Some correct points on either evidence or media bias, but lacks a clear evaluation.
Level 1 (1–2 marks): Isolated correct facts.
Level 0 (0 marks): No relevant content.