Main Causes of Global Warming
The three main causes of global warming are the release of greenhouse gases, deforestation, and changes in land use.
Greenhouse Gases are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and cause the Earth's temperature to increase. The primary greenhouse gases released by human activities are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Carbon dioxide is released through burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other human activities. Methane is released from livestock, landfills, and other sources. Nitrous oxide is released from agricultural activities, such as fertilizer use and burning of fossil fuels.
Deforestation is the clearing of forests, which leads to a decrease in the amount of carbon dioxide that trees absorb and store. This leads to an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which further contributes to global warming.
Changes in Land Use can also contribute to global warming. For example, land used for agriculture can result in the release of carbon dioxide, as well as other greenhouse gases, when soil is plowed and tilled. Urbanization can also lead to an increase in the amount of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere, as buildings and roads absorb and trap heat.
