1. Greenhouse Gases: These gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, trap heat in the earth's atmosphere, leading to a greenhouse effect which increases global temperatures.
2. Deforestation: Trees absorb carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases. When forests are cut down and burned or used to make products, that stored carbon is released, contributing to global warming.
3. Industrial Processes: Factories and power plants often produce and emit high levels of greenhouse gases.
4. Agricultural Practices: Many agricultural practices, including livestock rearing and rice production, emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
5. Urbanization and Transportation: Our reliance on fossil fuels for transportation and the energy needs of growing cities greatly contributes to the release of greenhouse gases.
6. Waste Disposal: Waste in landfills generates methane, while the incineration of waste can release carbon dioxide.
Consequences of Climate Change:
1. Temperature Increase: Global warming leads to higher temperatures worldwide, which can destabilize weather patterns and lead to extreme heat events.
2. Sea Level Rise: As polar ice caps melt due to rising temperatures, sea levels will rise, threatening coastal communities.
3. Ocean Acidification: Increased CO2 in the atmosphere leads to more CO2 dissolving in the oceans, causing the oceans to become more acidic. This threatens marine life, especially coral reefs and shellfish.
4. More Severe Weather: As the climate changes, weather events like storms, hurricanes, and droughts may become more frequent and severe.
5. Impact on Wildlife: Changes in temperature and habitats can cause species to migrate, disrupt food chains, and increase the risk of extinction.
6. Health Risks: Climate change can exacerbate health issues such as heat stress, heart and lung conditions, and diseases transmitted through insects and pests.
7. Economic Impact: Damage from extreme weather events, threats to infrastructure, impacts on agriculture, and health costs can have significant economic consequences.