In recent years, the global climate has been changing at an unprecedented rate. Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have reached unparalleled levels, and warm air temperatures are becoming increasingly apparent. All of this points to one undeniable conclusion: humans are a major contributor to the catastrophic environmental changes we are seeing today. So, what do we do that causes global warming?
For starters, one of the biggest factors is the burning of fossil fuels. Whenever we drive our cars or use electricity from a power plant, large quantities of carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide acts like a blanket, trapping heat in our atmosphere and raising global temperatures. Additionally, when these fossil fuels are extracted, more carbon dioxide is released as a by-product. The irresponsible practice of extracting and burning fossil fuels is one of the leading causes of global warming.
Furthermore, land-based human activities such as deforestation and industrial agriculture, have also had a profound negative impact on the environment. The trees, plants and other vegetation that cover the earth act as carbon sinks, absorbing vast quantities of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releasing oxygen. However, when these places are cleared for development, all of the carbon dioxide they’ve been storing is suddenly released. This accelerates the global warming process, adding to the already dangerous levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Finally, the amount of waste we produce is a major concern. A great deal of our waste contains greenhouse gases that further increase global temperatures. Even everyday items such as our cell phones and computers release a measurable amount of carbon dioxide each year – imagine the collective impact of millions upon millions of people using these products!
Simply put, global warming is caused by human actions that are polluting the atmosphere and contributing to climate change. We must be proactive in changing our habits in order to reduce the effects and start reversing the damage already done. This means utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind instead of fossil fuels, re-investing in forest conservation and replanting efforts and reducing our consumption of disposable items. We must take ownership for the current state of our planet and actively work towards solving these problems or risk consequences that will become increasingly dire if we remain idle.
