Green Options » human causes http://greenoptions.com/tag/human-causes Posts tagged 'human causes' Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:59:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en Top Global Warming Causes - Natural or Human? http://sustainablog.org/2009/06/18/the-top-causes-of-global-warming-natural-or-human/ http://sustainablog.org/2009/06/18/the-top-causes-of-global-warming-natural-or-human/#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:59:02 +0000 Jeff McIntire-Strasburg http://sustainablog.org/2009/06/18/the-top-causes-of-global-warming-natural-or-human/ volcano smokestackIf you’ve followed the debate over climate change even a little, you likely know the main causes of global warming: concentrations of greenhouse gases build up in the Earth’s atmosphere, and create a “greenhouse,” or warming effect. You’re likely also aware that evidence of past warming periods has fueled the argument that natural causes are largely responsible for current global warming, and thus, our choices of ways to reduce global warming are limited. If Nature’s calling the shots, is there any reason to change human activities that increase levels of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases?

While arguments persist, there’s little doubt that human-produced greenhouse gas emissions play a major role in the current warming trend. Nature has a role, but it pales in the face of increasing emissions from human activity.

What are some of the natural causes of global warming?

Think back to science classes from school. You undoubtedly learned at some point that carbon dioxide is a naturally-occurring compound, that it provides food for plant life, and that animals breathe it out. You may have also learned that decaying organic material releases CO2. There’s no need to question these facts. Greenhouse gases can be emitted into the atmosphere from a variety of natural sources.

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