Nearly all of the world’s most renowned scientists agree that global warming is real, and it’s happening right now. But what is the most significant contributor to increasing temperatures around the world? To answer this question, one should have a look at the scientific data and what experts in the field of climate science have to say.
In 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued a report claiming that human activities are the dominant drivers of climate change. The release stated that human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation are responsible for steadily raising global temperatures. The report also said that these activities continue to lead to greater greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global average temperatures rising and the severity of extreme weather events.
While scientists point to human activities as the main contributor to global warming, some believe that natural climate cycles also have a role. Volcanic eruptions, for example, produce gases that can act like a blanket and trap heat in the atmosphere. Some experts also claim that changes in Earth’s orbit and the way sunlight is distributed in the atmosphere may contribute to global warming.
Although these natural climate cycles are considered small contributors to climate change, it is clear that human activities have had a much greater impact. The burning of fossil fuels has been especially damaging, and studies show that use of these fuels has increased threefold since 1970. The reliance on these substances has been linked to more frequent and destructive storms and floods, droughts, and other natural disasters brought about by a changing climate.
Many nations have taken action to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. This is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done. It is essential for citizens to do their part for the environment, and for governments to pass stronger legislation that will shift industry towards renewable energy.
It is not too late to take the necessary steps to reign in global warming. We must change the way we generate and use energy, as well as reduce deforestation and other activities that contribute to climate change. By working together and taking swift action, we can avoid the worst impacts of climate change and build a better future for generations to come.
