Why Is This Happening

Understanding what is causing our planet to change

What Causes Climate Change?

Climate change can happen naturally, but human activities have become a major source of the changes happening to Earth's climate. Activities such as burning fossil fuels, cutting down forests, and producing large amounts of waste can increase greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Major Causes

Burning Fossil Fuels

Coal, oil, and natural gas are used to produce electricity, heat buildings, and power vehicles. Burning these fuels releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Deforestation

Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When forests are cut down or burned, less carbon dioxide is removed from the air, and stored carbon can also be released.

Transportation

Cars, trucks, airplanes, and other forms of transportation can produce greenhouse gas emissions, especially when they use gasoline or diesel fuel.

Industrial Activities

Manufacturing products requires energy and resources. Some industrial processes release greenhouse gases directly into the atmosphere.

Agriculture

Agriculture can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through livestock, fertilizer use, land changes, and other farming activities.

️ Waste

When large amounts of waste are sent to landfills, decomposition can produce methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

Why Understanding the Causes Matters

Understanding the causes of climate change helps us recognize where greenhouse gas emissions come from. It also helps people think about ways to use energy, transportation, and natural resources more responsibly.