CHAPTER 40 – CLIMATE CHANGE Human factors in global warming
There is a direct link between human activity and the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that cause global warming.
• Burning fossils fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas to heat homes and run cars releases carbon dioxide.
• Farming livestock, such as cows, releases large quantities of methane. • Production of cement for construction releases carbon dioxide. • Nitrogen fertiliser spread on soil is used by bacteria that release nitrous oxide. • Incineration (burning) of household waste releases carbon dioxide. • Deforestation (cutting down trees) removes a sink for carbon dioxide.
: Fig. 40.3 Burning fossil fuels is a major cause of increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
Carbon footprint
The amount of greenhouse gases we emit into the atmosphere as a result of our activities is called our carbon footprint.
? TEST TUBE
3. Suggest two ways that humans could reduce the greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. 4. Look at the infographic in Fig. 40.5. Which human actions have the largest carbon footprint?
: Fig. 40.4 Cows release methane gas into the atmosphere