Climate change happens when Earth’s climate system gains or loses heat over time. While climate has changed naturally in the past, the rapid warming seen today is mainly caused by human activities.

### Main reasons for climate change

1. **Burning fossil fuels**
   - Coal, oil, and natural gas are burned for electricity, transport, heating, and industry.
   - This releases large amounts of **carbon dioxide (CO₂)**, a major greenhouse gas.
   - Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global temperatures to rise.

2. **Deforestation**
   - Trees absorb CO₂ from the air.
   - When forests are cut down or burned, stored carbon is released, and fewer trees remain to absorb CO₂.
   - This increases the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

3. **Agriculture and livestock**
   - Cattle and other animals produce **methane**, a powerful greenhouse gas.
   - Rice farming also releases methane.
   - Fertilizers release **nitrous oxide**, another strong greenhouse gas.

4. **Industrial activities**
   - Factories produce greenhouse gases through manufacturing processes.
   - Cement production, chemical manufacturing, and mining all contribute to emissions.

5. **Transportation**
   - Cars, trucks, ships, and airplanes mostly use fossil fuels.
   - Their engines release CO₂ and other pollutants into the atmosphere.

6. **Waste and landfills**
   - Decomposing waste in landfills produces methane.
   - Poor waste management increases greenhouse gas emissions.

7. **Natural factors**
   - Volcanic eruptions, changes in the Sun’s energy, and natural climate cycles can affect climate.
   - However, these natural causes do not explain the rapid warming observed in recent decades.

### In simple terms

Climate change is mainly caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases from human activities. These gases act like a blanket around Earth, trapping heat and warming the planet.
