1.4.4

Human Causes of Climate Change

Test yourself

Human Factors and Climate Change

The following human activities are increasing the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases:

Illustrative background for Burning fossil fuelsIllustrative background for Burning fossil fuels ?? "content

Burning fossil fuels

  • Fossil fuels include coal, petrol, natural gas and oil.
  • When fossil fuels are burned, carbon dioxide is released.
Illustrative background for Cement productionIllustrative background for Cement production ?? "content

Cement production

  • Limestone, which is a carbon-based compound, is the starting material for making cement.
  • This carbon is released as carbon dioxide when cement is made.
Illustrative background for FarmingIllustrative background for Farming ?? "content

Farming

  • The digestive systems of cows produce lots of methane.
  • Rice paddies also emit lots of methane.
  • Methane is a greenhouse gas.
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Deforestation

  • During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and use it to make food.
  • Deforestation means there are fewer trees removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
  • Additionally, carbon dioxide is released when trees are burned and the carbon inside them is released into the atmosphere.

Jump to other topics

1The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1Natural Hazards

1.2Tectonic Hazards

1.3Weather Hazards

1.4Climate Change

2The Living World

3Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1The UK Physical Landscape

3.2Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3River Landscapes in the UK

3.4Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4Urban Issues & Challenges

5The Changing Economic World

6The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1Resource Management

6.2Food

6.3Water

6.4Energy

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