How Do Humans Cause Global Warming?

Tap to Read ➤ Rahul Pandita

The last few decades have seen numerous debates on the role of humans in global warming. A report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has pointed out that human activity is the main reason for global warming.

Global warming is largely attributed to human activities. The blame falls squarely on us as no other species exploits nature's resources like we do.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. There are several ways in which many of us contribute a bit to the growing threat of climate change.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Many deny human involvement in climate change. However, a straightforward fact about the rising concentration of carbon dioxide clarifies this. Carbon dioxide is known to contribute to the increase in the Earth's temperature.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. The atmospheric concentration of CO2 was 280 parts per million pre-industrially. Industrialization and globalization exacerbated it. Estimates show that CO2 levels will be approximately 424 ppm by 2023 and will continue to rise.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. To accommodate a burgeoning population, governments and corporations have removed vast amounts of forest, adding to rising CO2 levels. Fossil fuel burning accounts for around 70% of CO2 emissions.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. The air that comes out of the exhaust of our vehicles also contains carbon-dioxide, and with the number of cars on our streets, you can imagine how each one of us contributes to global warming.

The leaders of the world have recognized the threat of global warming and Kyoto Protocol was a sincere step to fight climate change, but unfortunately, some powerful countries continue to evade the guidelines in order to satisfy their self-interests.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Human activity, in various forms has led to an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Human Activity and Climate Change

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Humans are dependent on fossil fuels for their basic necessities, and fossil fuels are sources of carbon. Whenever a fossil fuel is burnt, carbon dioxide is produced as a by-product, which contributes to the greenhouse effect.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Airplanes release high amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Even while driving a car, carbon-rich exhaust enters into the atmosphere.

Deforestation exacerbates the greenhouse effect by decreasing the number of trees that convert CO2 into oxygen. This contributes to rising global temperatures and destroys ecosystems.

Eating non-vegetarian and out-of-season foods contributes to global warming by emitting greenhouse gases as they are transported from distant regions. Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Skeptics, who care two hoots about climate change often state that global warming is an unavoidable process and it has been occurring since time immemorial.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. While it is true that volcanic eruptions and forest fires do emit greenhouse gases, but the percentage of natural forces behind global warming is much lower than that of human activity.

Many have disregarded global warming due to widespread denial. Despite being aware of the implications of our actions, the notion of our responsibility in climate change is frequently dismissed.

But, the stark reality is that escapism seldom solves an issue, a strong resolve does. The people we have chosen to represent us can't take decisions which can prove catastrophic for our future generation. The need of the hour is to take ownership of the issue and urge our leaders to take drastic steps to counter it.