The Industrial Revolution significantly contributed to global climate change primarily through the increased use of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. This transition from agrarian economies to industrialized societies led to:
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Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The combustion of fossil fuels for energy in factories, transportation, and heating released large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
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Deforestation: Industrialization often involved clearing forests for agriculture and urban development, reducing the planet’s capacity to absorb CO2.
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Increased Production and Waste: The rise in manufacturing output resulted in greater emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases, exacerbating environmental degradation.
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Urbanization: The growth of cities led to increased energy consumption and waste generation, further contributing to emissions.
Overall, the Industrial Revolution marked a pivotal shift that laid the groundwork for ongoing climate change by altering the Earth’s natural systems and increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
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