The graph below shows how the rate of CO2 emissions varies from 1800 to 2017.
This curve can be approximated as \(E = 1.5e^{0.02t}\) where E is the rate of CO₂ emissions per year (GtCO₂ year⁻¹) and t is the number of years since 1800.
a) Using the above equation, calculate the total mass of CO₂ emitted between the years 1800 and 2017. Give your answer to 3.s.f.
[3 marks]
b) By comparing the exponential model with the best fit line on the graph shown at \(t = 150\), evaluate whether your answer to (a) is an overestimate of the true emissions or an underestimate.
[1 mark]
