Humans are the primary source of global warming and its consequent environmental impacts. We contribute to global warming in various ways, from the continued burning of fossil fuels to the production of excess carbon dioxide in agricultural activities. Our unsustainable habits have caused the earth to reach unprecedented highs in greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations and temperatures, increasing the severity of extreme weather events, species extinctions and rising sea levels. However, people are increasingly becoming aware of the causes of global warming, enabling the public to take action and make changes to reduce the ongoing environmental damage.
The burning of fossil fuels is the leading cause of rising GHG emissions. In 2018, CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions from burning fossil fuels accounted for more than 70 percent of total GHG emissions globally. Burning fossil fuels produces large amounts of CO2 and other pollutants, including methane and nitrogen oxides, which contribute to global warming. Additionally, deforestation and land-use change are associated with an estimated 15 percent of all GHG emissions, as when trees are cut down and burned, they release stored CO2 into the atmosphere. The transportation industry, which includes cars, boats, planes, and other modes of transportation, is one of the largest sources of GHG emissions and a major contributor to global warming.
Apart from burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, human activities such as agriculture and energy production also contribute to global warming. Agriculture contributes to climate change in two major ways: through the burning of fossil fuels in farm machinery, and by producing methane and nitrous oxide gases due to fertilizer application. Methane and nitrous oxide are both far more potent than carbon dioxide, and can therefore cause more climate warming per molecule. Lastly, energy production is responsible for a significant portion of the world’s global warming contribution, at around 15 percent of total GHG emissions.
Despite the extensive contributions to global warming, people are becoming more environmentally conscious and are making changes to reduce the impact of climate change. Renewable energy is becoming increasingly popular and is being adopted by many countries and industries. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, wind and solar photovoltaic generation increased significantly in 2018, accounting for 45 percent of the increase in power generation worldwide. Additionally, electric vehicles are becoming popular alternatives to gas-guzzling cars, leading to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions from the transportation industry. Furthermore, there is an increasing focus on reducing deforestation and protecting the environment from further land-use change.
Despite efforts to reduce global warming, it is evident that people are the primary source of this environmental disaster. From burning of fossil fuels to deforestation, humans are steadily increasing the earth’s GHG concentrations and temperatures. However, with increasing awareness and new green initiatives, there is still hope for mitigating climate change and its effects. It is essential for us to take action in order to reduce our contributions to global warming and make significant progress in preserving our planet for future generations.
