Meaning: 'Represents' means to stand for or symbolize something, indicating that three degrees is a sign of a larger phenomenon, in this case, global heating.

Wrong options:

• predicts: 'Predicts' implies forecasting future events, which does not fit as the sentence discusses a current state rather than a future prediction.
• proves: 'Proves' suggests evidence or demonstration of truth, which is not the intended meaning in this context as it does not directly show evidence but rather indicates a representation.
• explores: 'Explores' means to investigate or examine, which does not fit here as the sentence is not about investigation but rather about what three degrees signifies.

Correct answer: unbearable

Explanation: The word 'unbearable' fits contextually as it describes the extreme nature of heat and drought expected in the future. It aligns with the overall tone of the passage, which discusses severe climate conditions.

Meaning: 'Unbearable' means something that is too painful or unpleasant to endure, indicating that the heat and drought will be extreme and difficult to cope with.

Wrong options:

• particular: 'Particular' refers to something specific, which does not convey the severity of the heat described in the context.
• historic: 'Historic' relates to history, which does not apply to the description of current or future climate conditions.
• temperate: 'Temperate' suggests moderate or mild conditions, which contradicts the idea of extreme heat and drought being discussed.

Correct answer: consequences

Explanation: The word 'consequences' fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to the outcomes or effects of global heating on humanity. It aligns with the serious tone of the passage regarding the potential impacts of climate change.

Meaning: 'Consequences' means the results or effects of an action or condition, indicating the serious implications of failing to address global heating.

Wrong options:

• phenomena: 'Phenomena' refers to observable events or occurrences, which does not fit as the sentence is discussing the results of actions rather than events themselves.
• dreams: 'Dreams' implies aspirations or hopes, which is not relevant in the context of discussing serious outcomes of climate change.
• considerations: 'Considerations' refers to factors to think about, which does not convey the same sense of serious outcomes as 'consequences' does.

Correct answer: diminished

Explanation: The word 'diminished' fits grammatically as it describes a reduced state of existence. It aligns with the context of a worst-case scenario where humanity's presence is significantly lessened.

Meaning: 'Diminished' means reduced in size, extent, or importance, indicating that humanity's existence would be greatly lessened in the future scenario described.

Wrong options:

• economical: 'Economical' relates to saving or avoiding waste, which does not fit the context of describing a state of existence.
• stressful: 'Stressful' implies causing mental or emotional strain, which does not accurately describe the nature of existence in the context provided.
• peculiar: 'Peculiar' means strange or unusual, which does not convey the intended meaning of a reduced or lesser existence.