Causes of climate change

Question

i. Greenhouse gasses
● Increased levels of CO2, methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O)
trap heat in the atmosphere.
● These gasses are naturally occurring and good insulators –
necessary to buffer the temperature of earth’s surface to support
life
i. 82% of greenhouse gasses
ii. Where does this come from?
○ 9% of greenhouse gasses
○ Much more potent an insulator
○ Industry and agriculture (cattle ranching)
○ Where does this come from?

Answer 1

Climate change is primarily driven by the increase in greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, which trap heat and lead to global warming. Here’s a closer look at the causes you mentioned, elaborated for clarity:

1. Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) are key contributors to climate change. Their roles and sources include:

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

  • Sources: The burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), deforestation, and various industrial processes release large amounts of CO2.
  • Role: It is the most prevalent GHG and is responsible for about 82% of the total increase in greenhouse gas concentrations.

• Methane (CH4)

  • Sources: Methane is much more effective at trapping heat than CO2 but is present in smaller quantities. It is primarily released from agricultural practices (especially cattle ranching and rice cultivation), landfills, natural gas extraction, and wetlands.
  • Potency: Methane is over 25 times more potent than CO2 over a 100-year period, making it a significant contributor to short-term climate change.

• Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

  • Sources: This gas is released largely from agricultural activities (particularly the use of synthetic fertilizers), fossil fuel combustion, and certain industrial processes.
  • Potency: N2O is approximately 298 times more effective than CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere over a 100-year period.

2. Sources of Greenhouse Gases

Understanding where these greenhouse gases come from helps highlight the human factors contributing to climate change.

• Burning of Fossil Fuels:

  • Power generation, transportation, and industrial operations primarily drive the combustion of fossil fuels, leading to significant CO2 emissions.

• Agricultural Practices:

  • Methane emissions from enteric fermentation (the digestive process in cattle) and rice paddies contribute a substantial portion of global GHG emissions.
  • Nitrous oxide emissions result from nitrogen-based fertilizers used in crop production.

• Deforestation and Land Use Changes:

  • The clearing of forests for timber, agriculture, or urban development reduces the number of trees that can absorb CO2, while also releasing stored carbon back into the atmosphere.

Summary

In summary, the major contributors to climate change stem from various human activities involving fossil fuel consumption, agricultural practices, and land-use changes, which significantly increase the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to the ongoing trend of global warming. Addressing these sources is critical for mitigating climate change and its effects on the planet.