# Causes of Climate Change

## Primary Driver: Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The main cause of current climate change is the **increase in greenhouse gases** in the atmosphere, primarily from human activities.

### Key Greenhouse Gases
- **Carbon dioxide (CO₂)** - burning fossil fuels, deforestation
- **Methane (CH₄)** - livestock, landfills, natural gas leaks
- **Nitrous oxide (N₂O)** - agriculture, fertilizers
- **Fluorinated gases** - industrial processes, refrigerants

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## Major Human Contributing Factors

| Activity | Impact |
|----------|--------|
| Burning fossil fuels | Largest source of CO₂ |
| Deforestation | Removes carbon-absorbing trees |
| Agriculture | Methane and nitrous oxide emissions |
| Industrial processes | Various greenhouse gases |
| Transportation | Significant CO₂ emissions |

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## Natural Factors
- Volcanic eruptions
- Solar variation
- Natural climate cycles

*Note: Scientists broadly agree that natural factors **cannot explain** the rapid warming observed since the mid-20th century.*

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## The Basic Mechanism
Greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun that would otherwise escape into space, creating a **warming effect** - similar to how a greenhouse works.

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