Major Causes of Global Warming in California

Industrial plants in California emit Earth-warming greenhouse gases.

High greenhouse gas emission levels are largely responsible for global warming. Water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane and trioxygen are among the major greenhouse gases that absorb electromagnetic radiation and warm the planet. In California, population growth and a hefty gross domestic product (GDP) are the main culprits behind increases in greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon Dioxide and Methane Levels

California's carbon dioxide and methane emissions have helped push today's global levels to the highest they have ever been in the last 800,000 years. Vehicle exhaust and the fermentation of organic matter are partially to blame.

Economic Growth

In 2006, the state's Legislative Analyst's Office ranked California's economy as the eighth biggest in the world. The state's gross product was over $1.6 trillion in 2006. California's strong economy is largely industrialized. In 2004, 20 percent of California's greenhouse gas emissions came from the industrial sector while only 6 percent came from the agricultural sector. Thirty-eight percent of all emissions came from transportation.

Population Growth

Vehicle exhaust is the leading contributor to carbon dioxide emissions in California.

California's dramatic population growth has led to greater greenhouse gas emissions. In 1950, the state had 10.5 million residents. In 2010, the population in California had risen to 38 million. As the state's population continues to grow, so too do its emissions resulting from industry, agriculture and transportation. In 2002, there were 30.8 million registered vehicles in the state of California and 22.6 million licensed drivers. California's carbon dioxide emissions were and continue to be the highest in the country in large part due to vehicle exhaust.

Emissions from Electricity

California's inability to harness electricity efficiently has also led to greenhouse gas emissions. According to information provided by the California Climate Change Portal, in-state electricity was responsible for 12 percent of California's greenhouse gas emissions in 2004. Imported electricity was responsible for 13 percent.

References

• California Climate Change Portal: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
• Legislative Analyst's Office: Cal Facts 2006
• The New York Times: California/Motor City; Brian Alexander; Oct. 22, 2003
• Global Warming: A Closer Look at the Numbers
• Negative Population Growth: Historic & Projected Growth 1790 to 2030