STATE HUMAN CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Answer (1)
Human activities are the primary driver of climate change, primarily through the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These emissions stem from various sources, including burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture. The increased concentration of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, traps heat and leads to a warming planet. Here's a more detailed breakdown:1. Burning Fossil Fuels: The combustion of coal, oil, and gas for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, the most significant anthropogenic (human-caused) greenhouse gas.Fossil fuel use accounts for a substantial portion of global greenhouse gas emissions.2. Deforestation:Deforestation, or the clearing of forests for other land uses like agriculture or urbanization, reduces the Earth's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Trees play a crucial role in regulating the climate by absorbing CO2, and their removal releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere. 3. Agriculture:Agricultural practices, including livestock farming and fertilizer use, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane and nitrous oxide. Livestock, especially cattle and sheep, produce significant amounts of methane through enteric fermentation (digestion) and manure. The use of nitrogen-based fertilizers in agriculture releases nitrous oxide, another potent greenhouse gas. 4. Other Human Activities:Industrial processes, such as cement production, also release greenhouse gases. Waste management, including landfills and wastewater treatment, contributes to methane emissions. Changes in land use, such as urbanization and road construction, can also affect the planet's reflectivity and contribute to warming or cooling effects.
