How Do Humans Cause Global Warming?The last two decades have seen numerous debates on the role of humans in global warming. A recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has pointed out that human activity is the main reason for global warming. In this article, we will take a look at some of the factors which contribute to climate change, to know more on how do humans cause global warming.

For a long time, we have collectively refused to take responsibility of the damage that we have caused to the environment. But, after a U.N. panel on climate change concluded that modern global warming is "most likely" caused due to human activities, there is no escaping the fact now. What is really surprising is the time it took to ascertain the real cause precipitating global warming. No other species in this world has the capacity to use nature's vast resources for its benefit, so the blame lies squarely on us. There are several ways in which everybody, including you and me contributes his bit to the growing threat of climate change. Let us take a look at some hard facts to know how we are party to the threat to our environment.

While there is a rigid denial of human involvement in climate change by many, a simple fact on the increase in the concentration level of carbon-dioxide will set the record straight here. Carbon-dioxide has been known to cause an increase in the earth's temperature. The level of carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere was around 280 parts per million (ppm) before the industrial revolution. Rapid industrialization combined with globalization surely benefited us, but led to an increase in the concentration of carbon-dioxide. As per the estimates, the level of carbon-dioxide was around 380 ppm in 1998, and it is still increasing. Carbon-dioxide is a by-product when fossil fuels are burned. To meet the demands of a burgeoning population, the government and corporations have had to cut vast tracts of forests. This is one of the prime reasons behind the increase in the levels of carbon-dioxide. Fossil fuel combustion is one of the major reason for carbon-dioxide emissions (about 70%). The air that comes out of the exhaust of our vehicles also contains carbon-dioxide, and with the number of cars on our streets, you can imagine how each one of us contributes to global warming. The leaders of the world have recognized the threat of global warming and Kyoto Protocol was a sincere step to fight climate change, but unfortunately, some powerful countries continue to evade the guidelines in order to satisfy their self-interests. Human activity, in various forms has led to an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Let us take a look at the human activities that contribute to global warming.

Human Activity and Climate Change Humans are dependent on fossil fuels for their basic necessities, and fossil fuels are sources of carbon. Whenever a fossil fuel is burnt, carbon dioxide is produced as a by-product, which contributes to the greenhouse effect. Airplanes release high amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Even while driving a car, carbon-rich exhaust enters into the atmosphere. Deforestation is another significant reason for greenhouse effect. Fewer number of trees means lesser amount of carbon dioxide would be converted into oxygen. Deforestation not only contributes to global warming, but it also disturbs the ecosystem. You may be surprised to know that eating non-vegetarian food and foods that are out of season also contributes to global warming. This is because of the fact that these foods need to be shipped from all other parts of the world to be made available to you, and their transportation contributes to the greenhouse effect.Skeptics, who care two hoots about climate change often state that global warming is an unavoidable process and it has been occurring since time immemorial. While it is true that volcanic eruptions and forest fires do emit greenhouse gases, but the percentage of natural forces behind global warming is much lower than that of human activity. One of the main reasons why global warming has been relegated to a handful of environmentalists fighting for the entire human race is because we all are living in a constant state of denial. Many of us are fully aware of the ramifications of our actions, but the very thought of our involvement in climate change is repulsive to our mind. But, the stark reality is that escapism seldom solves an issue, a strong resolve does. The people we have chosen to represent us can't take decisions which can prove catastrophic for our future generation. The need of the hour is to take ownership of the issue and urge our leaders to take drastic steps to counter it.