12.1.3

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.
Illustrative background for DeforestationIllustrative background for Deforestation ?? "content

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

1Geography Skills

2Geology of the UK

3Geography of the World

4Development

5Weather & Climate

6The World of Work

7Natural Resources

8Rivers

9Coasts

10Glaciers

11Tectonics

12Climate Change

13Global Population & Inequality

14Urbanisation

15Ecosystems

16Life in an Emerging Country

17Analysis of Africa

18Analysis of India

19Analysis of the Middle East

20Analysis of Bangladesh

21Analysis of Russia

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