How Are Human Actions Contributing to Global

Warming?

Sidra A. Al-Noor Br.Nassry Living Environment

Key terms you should know:Human actionsContributing Global warming

Human Actions:

something that people do or cause to happen

Contributing: Help to cause or bring about

Global Warming: The gradual increase in the temperature

of the earth's atmosphere, believed to be due to the greenhouse effect, caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and other pollutants.

Human Actions contributing to global warmingTwo main causes of global warming:1- Pollution: a) Burning of fossil fuels2- Deforestation

Deforestation Trees are 50 percent carbon. When they are felled or burned, the

C02 they store escapes back into the air. According to FAO figures, some 13 million ha of forests worldwide are lost every year, almost entirely in the tropics. Deforestation remains high in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia.

The largest exchanges occur between the biosphere and atmosphere through photosynthesis and decomposition. Living plants grow by absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. When plants die, bacteria decompose them and return carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

Burning of Fossil Fuel Burning fossil fuels is one thing that causes pollution. Fossil

fuels are fuels made of organic matter such as coal, or oil. When fossil fuels are burned they give off a green house gas called CO2. Also mining coal and oil allows methane to escape. How does it escape? Methane is naturally in the ground. When coal or oil is mined you have to dig up the earth a little. When you dig up the fossil fuels you dig up the methane as well.

In most cases, fossil fuels are burned to create electricity. Fossil fuels are made of dead plants and animals. Some examples of fossil fuels are oil and petroleum. Many pollutants (chemicals that pollute the air, water, and land) are sent into the air when fossil fuels are burned. Some of these chemicals are called greenhouse gasses.

How Your Daily Activities Contribute to the Problem?

When You Drive or Fly Every time you drive a car, carbon-rich auto exhaust enters the

atmosphere. The use of jet fuel in plane travel also adds a great deal to your carbon footprint. (Though, cars contribute more per passenger mile in the long run).

When You Eat Meat and Exotic FoodsThe food industry, especially the meat industry, is one of the primary

sources of greenhouse gases, according to some recent studies. Eating food that is shipped long distances adds to greenhouse gas emissions. Consider the fact that the average food item you eat travels over 1000 miles from farm to fork. In addition, conventional agriculture uses massive amounts of petroleum-based fertilizers. Eating beef and drinking milk also adds to greenhouse gases, since cows emit significant amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas even more potent than carbon. One of the best ways to cut your greenhouse gas emissions is by going vegetarian.

How Your Daily Activities Contribute to the Problem?

When You Use ElectricityAlthough some power generation is now being done with solar

and wind energy, the chances are high that the electricity you use is generated from coal-burning power plants

When You Move Into A New DevelopmentIf you decide to move into a new suburban development near the

edge of town, you’re increasing the profits developers get from cutting down trees and paving over farm land. When farms and forests disappear, the land loses the ability to absorb carbon, and emissions from other activities have an even greater effect.

Other Examples:Some other examples of using energy and polluting the air

are:Turning on a lightWatching T.V.Listening to a stereoWashing or drying clothesUsing a hair dryerRiding in a carHeating a meal in the microwaveUsing an air conditionerPlaying a video gameUsing a dish washer