What's the cause?
Earth is a very special planet – it is close enough to the sun to receive a lot of energy, but far enough not to be scorched.
In addition, our atmosphere has a very special device – a layer of greenhouse gases that spread all around the planet. This layer keeps the globe warm like a blanket, shielding it from the cold universe.
While not being the most potent greenhouse gas, CO2 is the main driver for the greenhouse effect. And this is where the problem starts.
To satisfy our hunger for energy, we are burning fossil fuels – coal, oil and natural gas. These are in essence plant matter from many millions of years ago. They did not take part anymore in the natural cycle and were in fact completely withdrawn from it.
Now the CO2 contained in this fossilised matter is being released because we burn fossil fuels. We released as much as 28 billion tons of CO2 into the atmosphere last year!
The effect is that the ‘blanket’ or greenhouse gas layer gets thicker. And consequently Earth is warming up.
The cause of climate change is the unlimited burning of fossil fuels – coal, oil and natural gas.
Burning these carbon-based materials produces carbon dioxide (CO2), the main pollutant causing climate change.
CO2 can be harmless enough when dissolved in a drink – it adds sparkle to mineral water, soft drinks and champagne. However, when excess amounts are released into the atmosphere it can cause untold damage. Read how CO2 causes global warming.
Where does the CO2 come from?
In terms of fuels, the main problem is coal. The other key reason is waste – inefficient use of energy.
And in terms of industries, the main culprit is electricity production – the power industry.
See here a graph showing the distribution amongst sectors:
The following graphic shows the regional shares of CO2 emissions, comparing the years 1973 and 2002:
In addition, our atmosphere has a very special device – a layer of greenhouse gases that spread all around the planet. This layer keeps the globe warm like a blanket, shielding it from the cold universe.
While not being the most potent greenhouse gas, CO2 is the main driver for the greenhouse effect. And this is where the problem starts.
To satisfy our hunger for energy, we are burning fossil fuels – coal, oil and natural gas. These are in essence plant matter from many millions of years ago. They did not take part anymore in the natural cycle and were in fact completely withdrawn from it.
Now the CO2 contained in this fossilised matter is being released because we burn fossil fuels. We released as much as 28 billion tons of CO2 into the atmosphere last year!
The effect is that the ‘blanket’ or greenhouse gas layer gets thicker. And consequently Earth is warming up.
The cause of climate change is the unlimited burning of fossil fuels – coal, oil and natural gas.
Burning these carbon-based materials produces carbon dioxide (CO2), the main pollutant causing climate change.
CO2 can be harmless enough when dissolved in a drink – it adds sparkle to mineral water, soft drinks and champagne. However, when excess amounts are released into the atmosphere it can cause untold damage. Read how CO2 causes global warming.
Where does the CO2 come from?
In terms of fuels, the main problem is coal. The other key reason is waste – inefficient use of energy.
And in terms of industries, the main culprit is electricity production – the power industry.
See here a graph showing the distribution amongst sectors:
CO2 emissions by different sources
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© -
The following graphic shows the regional shares of CO2 emissions, comparing the years 1973 and 2002:
1973 and 2002 Regional Sahres of CO2 emissions
© IEA 2004
© IEA 2004
