# Reasons for Climate Change

Climate change occurs due to both **natural** and **human-caused** factors:

## Human Causes (Primary Drivers)

**1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions**
- Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) for energy and transportation
- Releases CO₂, methane, and nitrous oxide
- Traps heat in Earth's atmosphere

**2. Deforestation**
- Removes trees that absorb CO₂
- Often burned, releasing stored carbon
- Reduces Earth's capacity to process emissions

**3. Industrial Activities**
- Manufacturing and chemical processes
- Cement production releases significant CO₂
- Agricultural practices (livestock produce methane)

**4. Land Use Changes**
- Urban development
- Agricultural expansion
- Alters natural carbon absorption

## Natural Causes (Minor Current Role)

**1. Solar Variations**
- Changes in sun's energy output
- Not responsible for recent warming

**2. Volcanic Activity**
- Can temporarily cool climate
- Releases gases and particles

**3. Ocean Currents**
- Natural circulation patterns
- Can shift regional climates

## The Scientific Consensus

Over **97% of climate scientists** agree that current rapid warming is primarily caused by human activities, particularly since the Industrial Revolution. CO₂ levels are now higher than any point in the last 800,000 years.

The evidence shows human activities are the dominant cause of observed warming since the mid-20th century.
