Final answer:
Human activities with the greatest environmental impact include industrial emissions, deforestation, and the use of fossil fuels, all of which contribute to climate change and habitat loss. The strengthening of the greenhouse effect by human activities is evidenced by the increased concentration of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide since the Industrial Revolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Human Impact on the Environment
The greatest effects on the environment caused by human activities include:
- Industrial emissions leading to climate change
- Deforestation causing habitat loss
- Use of fossil fuels increasing air pollution
All the above-mentioned activities contribute significantly to environmental changes. The evidence of human contribution is vast and includes the dramatic increase in greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide since the Industrial Revolution. Burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, significantly contributes to the emission of these gases. Evidence for global warming includes rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, and more extreme weather events.
A critical issue is that human activities strengthen the natural greenhouse effect, trapping more heat in the Earth's atmosphere, which leads to global warming. The top three greenhouse gases affecting Earth's climate are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. To mitigate the effects of global warming, it is paramount to transition towards cleaner energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.