Question

the national climate assessment completed in 2014 lists declining ice coverage as one of the effects of climate change. the table shows decline in ice coverage in the great lakes. between the period 1963 to 1972 and 2003 to 2013, by how many percentage points did it decline? 2% 16% 25% 42% ice coverage in the great lakes years percent 1963 to 1972 58% 1973 to 1982 67% 1983 to 1992 52% 1993 to 2002 44% 2003 to 2013 42% source: https://nca2014.globalchange.gov/ highlights/regions/midwest/graphics/ great-lakes-ice-cover-decline

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the percentages

From the table, the percentage of ice coverage for the period 1963 - 1972 is 58%, and for 2003 - 2013 is 42%.

Step2: Calculate the difference

To find the decline in percentage points, subtract the later percentage from the earlier one: $58\% - 42\% = 16\%$.

Answer:

16% (corresponding to the option "16%")