It’s no secret that global warming is a significant issue in the modern world. As the global temperature continues to rise, the environment and ecosystems suffer the consequences of climate change, resulting in natural disasters, water scarcity, drastic shifts in weather patterns, and a wide variety of other issues. But what, exactly, is causing it? What’s the number one cause of global warming? Quite simply, it’s the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.
Fossil fuels have been used by humans for centuries, and they have become an integral part of modern society, providing us with heat, energy, and transportation. However, when these fuels are burned, they emit various greenhouse gases into the atmosphere which trap heat and, over time, cause the temperature of the earth to rise. In 2019, more than 81% of global energy consumption was covered by the direct use of fossil fuels, making it undeniably clear why these fuels are the major contributor to climate change.
The burning of fossil fuels leads not only to the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, but also to the release of one of the most potent heat-trapping gases – methane. In fact, according to the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), methane is responsible for some 28% of the total human-caused effect on climate change. This means that, along with cutting back on CO2 emissions, reducing global methane emission is key in order to halt global warming.
It’s not just experts that recognize the powerful role that burning fossil fuels has on global warming. Increasingly, people around the world are embracing alternative energy sources as a way to reduce their emissions and fight against climate change. Wind and solar energy are becoming more and more common in households and businesses, and electric vehicles are increasingly making their way onto the roads. By shifting our dependence away from fossil fuels, we can make a big contribution to reducing global warming.
The burning of fossil fuels is undeniably the number one cause of global warming, and the situation is only becoming more dire by the day. The world needs to rapidly limit its reliance on fossil fuels and to embrace alternative forms of energy if we are to make a meaningful difference in tackling climate change and its associated impacts. Through a combination of education, policymaking, and innovation, we can make a lasting change that will benefit us all in the long run.
