What Is the Major Cause of Global Warming?

Global warming is a huge concern for leaders and citizens worldwide, and a big part of this concern stems from the fact that humans themselves have created the global warming problems. The main cause of the warming is from CO2 emissions, but they break down into several factors that contribute to global warming.

History

The major cause of global warming has been determined from a scientific study that was done at Mauna Loa in Hawaii. This location provided the perfect atmospheric conditions to measure the air and CO2 levels that were present. This research began in 1960 and ever since then, the CO2 in the air and global warming have dramatically increased.

Types

CO2 is the leading cause of Global Warming, but it is emitted from several things that harm the ozone. Oil burning, from automobiles and other forms of transportation, is the largest distributor of CO2, with coal burning at a close second. Land use and deforestation is another large factor, as well as the burning of natural gas and cement production.

Time Frame

Before the industrial age, CO2 levels were at a steady pace, but with the introduction of cars and factories through the 1700s and 1800s, CO2 has increased dramatically. Every century, the population has grown and that has caused the machines that produce CO2 to increase as well and contribute to global warming.

Effects

These major causes of global warming have had effects all over the globe. One of the most influential effects is raising temperatures around the globe. Steadily, the global temperature has risen and more and more of the polar ice caps melt every year, endangering animals like polar bears.

Potential

We cannot stop the damage that has already been done, but if we can stop the amount of CO2 that is emitted into the air, then we can progress forward into more environmentally friendly energy solutions. Power sources like solar power, wind power and nuclear energy do not contribute anything to global warming and can provide a great source of power to our world.

Resources

• Mauna Loa Tracking
• Global Warming Signs
• EPA on Climate Change