Causes of Climate Change

Study Notes

Causes of Climate Change

Greenhouse Gases

Carbon dioxide (CO2): primary contributor to climate change, released through fossil fuel burning, deforestation, and land-use changes
Methane (CH4): released through agriculture, natural gas production, and landfills
Nitrous oxide (N2O): released through agriculture, industrial processes, and burning fossil fuels
Fluorinated gases (F-gases): released through industrial processes, refrigeration, and air conditioning

Human Activities

Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) for energy: releases CO2 and other greenhouse gases
Deforestation and land-use changes: releases CO2, reduces carbon sequestration, and alters ecosystems
Agriculture: releases methane and N2O through livestock, rice cultivation, and fertilizer use
Industrial processes: releases F-gases and other greenhouse gases through manufacturing and production
Transportation: releases CO2 and other greenhouse gases through vehicle emissions

Natural Factors

Volcanic eruptions: releases sulfur dioxide, which can reflect sunlight and cool the planet
Changes in Earth's orbit: affects the amount of solar energy the planet receives
Solar variability: changes in the sun's energy output can impact global temperatures

Feedback Loops

Ice-albedo feedback: melting ice reduces Earth's albedo, amplifying warming
Water vapor feedback: increased temperatures lead to more water vapor, amplifying warming
Thawing permafrost: releases methane and CO2, amplifying warming
Ocean acidification: absorbs CO2, reducing its ability to absorb more, amplifying warming

Causes of Climate Change

Greenhouse Gases

CO2 is the primary contributor to climate change, primarily released through fossil fuel burning, deforestation, and land-use changes
Methane is released through agriculture (especially livestock and rice cultivation), natural gas production, and landfills
Nitrous oxide is released through agriculture, industrial processes, and burning fossil fuels
Fluorinated gases (F-gases) are released through industrial processes, refrigeration, and air conditioning

Human Activities

Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) releases CO2 and other greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change
Deforestation and land-use changes release CO2, reduce carbon sequestration, and alter ecosystems
Agriculture leads to methane and N2O emissions through livestock, rice cultivation, and fertilizer use
Industrial processes release F-gases and other greenhouse gases through manufacturing and production
Transportation emits CO2 and other greenhouse gases through vehicle emissions

Natural Factors

Volcanic eruptions release sulfur dioxide, which can reflect sunlight and cool the planet
Changes in Earth's orbit affect the amount of solar energy the planet receives
Solar variability changes impact global temperatures through changes in the sun's energy output

Feedback Loops

Melting ice reduces Earth's albedo, amplifying warming through the ice-albedo feedback loop
Increased temperatures lead to more water vapor, amplifying warming through the water vapor feedback loop
Thawing permafrost releases methane and CO2, amplifying warming
Ocean acidification reduces the ocean's ability to absorb CO2, amplifying warming

Description

Climate change is influenced by various human activities and natural factors, including greenhouse gases, deforestation, and land-use changes. This quiz covers the primary contributors to climate change.