Discuss the role of humans on global warming

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: In the last few decades, debate over the role of human impacts on global warming has intensified. It is acknowledged that certain natural phenomenon, including changes in orbital geometry or volcanic eruptions have clearly affected climate in the past. But the vast majority of scientists see clear evidence that natural processes cannot account for the dramatic warming of the last 200 years. We now know that this warming is largely due to anthropogenic (human-caused) additions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.

We have caused increases in atmospheric CO2 since the Industrial Revolution through the burning of wood and fossil fuels (notably coal and petroleum) in our power plants, industries, homes, and---above all else---our automobiles, along with other transportation systems. We have also cut down huge tracts of forests for building materials and to clear land for farms and sprawling cities---forests that would have acted as carbon "sinks" to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. In addition, our rapidly growing human population (7 billion plus) and animal populations that we have exploited for food (billions of cattle, pigs, poultry, and other animals) contribute large amounts of CO2 to the air.