CLIMATE CHANGE GENERAL CAUSES ↓
Energy use
“In 2020 CO2 concentration levels produced by human activities have risen to 48% above its pre-industrial level.”
Humans derive energy from burning fossil fuels. This releases almost three-quarters of all human-produced greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and traps the heat emitted by the Earth. If the emissions are higher than the removals, the heat stays trapped in the atmosphere and global warming will continue.
Since the industrial revolution, the emissions of greenhouse gases have increased due to the high dependence on energy and fossil fuel for human activities.
Land use
“Just 5% of the world’s landmass is untouched by humans.”
Land use change is the removal of biodiverse land such as forests and grassland for human purposes. Infrastructure, agriculture, and industry provide humans with basic needs such as food and shelter. The growing population and consumption-based lifestyle have resulted in the loss of natural resources to human activities.
The manner in which humans utilize land is responsible for over one-quarter of all greenhouse gases produced by humans and released into the atmosphere. Trees and grasslands absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Logging and clearing this land for human development means more CO2 will remain in the air.
It is important to note that not all humans have caused such environmental harm through land use. Indigenous groups have been using the land for centuries without causing significant harm to the environment.