The effects of global warming are no longer speculated, but are a reality. The Earth is slowly heating up, and this has alarming consequences for the environment, nature and humanity. One of the questions that has been widely discussed is the percentage of global warming which is caused by human activity.
Studies have shown that human activity has definitely contributed to the current state of global warming: in fact, more CO2 has been released into the atmosphere since the start of the industrial revolution, which is thought to have increased global temperatures by 1°C. This increase was largely due to the burning of fossil fuels, a process which still continues today. This means that humanity has a major responsibility for the current rate of climate change.
Furthermore, recent research suggests that around 75% of the global warming which has occurred since the 1950s is due to human-produced carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has estimated that at least 13-37% of global warming can be attributed to human activities. This means that climate change caused by humans is a significant factor in global warming.
Although human-produced carbon dioxide emissions play a major role in rising global temperatures, there are natural factors which also contribute. These include natural processes such as volcanic eruptions, and the Earth’s naturally changing orbit and reflection of incoming solar radiation. It is important to take these into consideration, in the effort to reduce global warming.
It is undeniable that human activity has had a significant impact on global warming, and that humanity has a responsibility to face up to and combat this issue. We must take the necessary steps to reduce the use of fossil fuels and other activities which increase the level of CO2 in the atmosphere. It is also crucial that we use renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and help to reduce global warming.
In conclusion, while it is not possible to deny that natural factors contribute to global warming, there is clear evidence to suggest that human activity is a major contributor to this problem. It is therefore essential that we take action to reduce the level of carbon dioxide emissions, and to make use of renewable energy sources.If humanity is to combat global warming and maintain healthy ecosystems, the percentage of global warming which is caused by human activity must be reduced.
