Question

It is very likely that human emissions of greenhouse gases are responsible for global warming. Give two examples of such activities and explain briefly how they cause global warming.

Answer 1

Greenhouse gases are gases that are present in the Earth's atmosphere and trap heat from the Sun, preventing it from radiating back out into space. Human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere can contribute to global warming. Two examples of such activities are:

1. Burning fossil fuels: The most common sources of greenhouse gas emissions are the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. When these fuels are burned, they release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is one of the most important greenhouse gases, and its increasing concentration in the atmosphere is a major contributor to global warming.
2. Deforestation: Trees and other vegetation absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as part of the process of photosynthesis. When trees are cut down and burned, or otherwise removed from the landscape, this carbon is released back into the atmosphere. Deforestation is therefore a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, and can contribute to global warming.

Overall, human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere are a major cause of global warming. These activities can have serious consequences for the Earth's climate and can impact many aspects of human life.