Global warming has taken place in the distant past as the result of natural effects, but in the

current day and age, it refers to the excessive heat predicted to occur due to increased emissions
of greenhouse gases. Scientists and weather specialists are divided in their opinions based on
observations, computer models and satellite readings as to the possible causes of global
warming, with some attributing natural causes to the phenomenon and others putting the onus on
humans.

Human contribution to global warming

• The chief cause of global warming by humans is due to the carbon dioxide released
when fossil fuels like oil and coal are burned for energy.

• Industrialization and technological advancements have further added to the problem of

global warming as the growing demands of an ever increasing populace are taking its toll
on the energy sector, which sees to manufacturing of more automobiles and products for
these people, driving more cars and creating increased amounts of garbage, as a
consequence.

• The burning of organic compounds by humans results in a release of heat into the
environment and gasoline, coal and natural gas are things that mankind has come to rely
heavily on, so weaning away or controlled use of such fossil fuel is required to combat
these major human causes of global warming.

• Increased population in under-developed countries is causing a hindrance to the world

enhancement standards as these Third World countries begin to use greater amounts of
energy and the problem of global warming expands.

• Fluctuation in standards of agricultural yields, melting glaciers, decreased stream flows

during summer months, possible elimination and extinction of species due to the
excessive heat are human causes of global warming. Disorganized health sectors and
species extinction can further the likely cause of increase in the range of disease vectors
such as Malaria.

• Deforestation is another significant source of greenhouse gases, because fewer trees

mean less carbon dioxide conversion to oxygen.

Evidence for human causes of global warming

Many of the GHG’s (greenhouse gases) occur naturally and are useful for keeping our planet
sufficiently warm to support life. In the face of this proven statement, the human use of fossil fuels
as the main source of excess greenhouse gases and being a contributory factor for global
warming stands on equal footing as natural causes. Though by driving cars, generating electricity
from coal-fired power plants, using central heating in homes and offices, the release of carbon
dioxide and other heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere does occur. Furthermore, the last 150-
year records show a steady industrialization resulting in increasing the atmospheric concentration
of carbon dioxide by 31 percent and in direct proportion to this is the rise in level of atmospheric
methane-an alarming 151 percent-mostly from agricultural activities like raising cattle and growing
rice. Thus, in the face of this evidence towards human causes for global warming, it is hard to
ignore these telling factors.