What causes Climate Change?
There will always be some degree of uncertainty in understanding a system as complex as the world's climate. However, there is now strong scientific evidence and almost unanimous agreement that significant global warming is occurring. It is also very likely that most of the recent warming can be attributed to human activities.
Some changes to the earth's climate are caused by the effects on each other of the sun, land, oceans and atmosphere. These often occur over very long periods of time.
Human activity has changed the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere in two important ways:
Firstly, by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas for energy, we release greenhouse gases. More than 40% of CO2 emissions are the direct result of the actions taken by individuals. Every time we use these non-renewable energy sources in the home, for driving or flying, we’re producing CO2. The UK as a whole emitted 554 million tonnes of CO2 in 2005. Every tonne of CO2 we emit commits the world to more warming.
Secondly, we have cut down forests to develop land for agriculture. Trees absorb carbon dioxide so, with fewer trees, more carbon dioxide builds up in the atmosphere. Also, the agriculture that replaces the forests can often be a source of CO2 emissions.
By understanding Climate Change and its effects we can then work together and all do our bit to tackle Climate Change!
