Human

• Use of Fossil Fuels

  • Combustion of fossil fuels for electricity and industry leads to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmospheres.
  • Fossil fuels account for 50% of carbon emissions.
  • As the world’s population grows and wealth increases, people are demanding more and more energy, which increases the use of fossil fuels and the release of carbon dioxide. 
• Human-induced / Anthropogenic Climate changes leads to :

  • Enhanced greenhouse effect
• Agriculture

  • Produces large volumes of methane from farming cattle.
  • Accounts for approx. 20% global greenhouse gas emissions.
• Agriculture + Increase in population

  • Demand for food increased
  • This means the demand for meat and rice is higher = methane levels rise.
  •  It's inevitable that large-scale agriculture’s contribution to climate change will continue to grow.
• What is Deforestation?

  • Clearing of forests on a huge-scale
• Several reasons why forests are cut down

  • Selective logging
  • Urban expansion
  • Clearing of land for agriculture
  • Building of roads for access to remote areas
• Process of photosynthesis

  1. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, acting as carbon sinks.
  2. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
  3. Deforestation leaves fewer trees to absorb carbon dioxide.
  4. Therefore the enhanced greenhouse gases contribute to rapid climate change.
• Deforestation : Slash and burn

  • Stored carbon dioxide is released.
  • This contributes to climate change.
• Difference between human causes and natural causes

  • Human causes can be controlled