Which of the following is a challenge in monitoring climate change?

The challenge of limited historical data plays a crucial role in the monitoring of climate change. When assessing climate patterns and trends, having a comprehensive historical record is essential. This data allows scientists to identify changes over time, establish baselines, and predict future conditions based on past events. Limited historical data can hinder the ability to recognize long-term trends and patterns, making it difficult to attribute recent climate changes to natural variability or human activity accurately.

In contrast, an abundance of historical data would facilitate better understanding and analysis of climate phenomena. Lack of scientific consensus refers to disagreements within the scientific community regarding climate change impacts or solutions; while it poses challenges for policy-making, it does not directly affect the monitoring process itself. Immediate effects of climate change, although significant in their implications, are more about current conditions rather than the data collection and analysis needed to understand longer-term trends. Therefore, the challenge of limited historical data stands out as it directly impacts the ability to monitor climate change effectively.