Final answer:
Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, are the main drivers of global warming. The emission of greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to an increase in average global temperatures over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Global warming is a complex issue that is a result of a combination of natural and human factors. While natural factors such as volcanic activity and changes in solar radiation can contribute to fluctuations in global temperature, the scientific consensus is that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, are the main drivers of global warming in recent decades. The emission of greenhouse gases from these human activities traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to an increase in average global temperatures over time.
For example, the burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, which acts as a blanket, trapping heat and causing the Earth's temperature to rise. Deforestation also plays a role in global warming as trees absorb CO2 and release oxygen through photosynthesis. When trees are cut down, this natural process is disrupted, resulting in increased CO2 levels.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a scientific body that assesses climate change, concludes that human activities are unequivocally causing global warming. The overwhelming majority of climate scientists also agree with this conclusion. It is important to note that while human activity is a major contributor to global warming, natural factors still play a role in the Earth's climate system. However, the impact of human activity is significant and requires immediate attention and action to mitigate its effects.
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