Climate change is primarily caused by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal. When these fuels are burned, they release carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, causing the Earth’s temperature to rise—a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect.
While natural factors have influenced the Earth’s climate over millions of years, human activities have significantly accelerated climate change since the Industrial Revolution. Before human influence became dominant, natural factors such as volcanic eruptions, changes in Earth’s orbit, and shifts in the Earth’s crust (plate tectonics) played key roles in climate variations.
Over the past million years, the Earth has undergone cycles of ice ages, characterized by alternating glacial (cooler) and interglacial (warmer) periods. These cycles, occurring roughly every 100,000 years, are primarily driven by changes in the Earth’s orbit around the sun, known as Milankovitch cycles. The current period, known as the Holocene, has been relatively stable and warm, conducive to human civilization.
However, the rapid increase in global temperatures observed since the 19th century is unprecedented in Earth’s recent history. This acceleration coincides with the rise of industrialization and widespread use of fossil fuels. In addition to burning fossil fuels, changes in land use—such as deforestation and agriculturealso contribute to climate change by altering the Earth’s surface and affecting the carbon cycle.
The consequences of climate change are profound and wide-ranging, impacting ecosystems, weather patterns, sea levels, and human societies worldwide. Addressing climate change requires concerted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and adopt sustainable land use practices to mitigate its effects and safeguard the planet for future generations.
