Final answer:
The Industrial Revolution heralded significant use of coal and other fossil fuels which, when burned, release carbon dioxide and contribute to climate change. Human activities including deforestation have exacerbated the rise in atmospheric CO₂ levels, now significantly higher than in pre-industrial times.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Industrial Revolution marked a significant shift in human history, beginning around 1750 and introducing new technologies that drastically changed society and the economy. Among these changes was a major increase in the use of fossil fuels, particularly coal, which when burned, releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This escalation in carbon emissions, exacerbated by the introduction of the automobile and the burning of petroleum, led to a pronounced rise in atmospheric CO₂, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change.
Since the inception of industrial society, human activities such as the clearing of forests for agriculture and urban development have also played a role in increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The amount of CO₂ has increased by about 30% in the past century and is continuing to rise, which poses significant risks to global climate and ecosystems. The destruction of tropical forests further compounds the problem, as these forests are critical for extracting CO₂ from the atmosphere and replenishing oxygen.