The Causes of Climate Change


According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global warming over the past 50 years is caused by humans. The natural greenhouse effect intensifies due to emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels - oil, natural gas, and coal - as well as land use.

The latest IPCC report from 2018, based on broad scientific analyses, highlights the exponential growth of population and economy, alongside the modern lifestyle of our globalized consumer society. These factors continue to increase emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases. The concentration of these gases in the Earth's atmosphere is currently at its highest level in 800,000 years and continues to grow faster than ever.

The rapid climate changes observed since the 19th century can be explained particularly by the industrial era. Fossil fuels, such as coal, lignite, oil, and gas, release large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) directly into the atmosphere, reinforcing the natural greenhouse effect, or "anthropogenic greenhouse effect."

The enormous energy needs of the constantly growing world population and the lifestyle of a few threaten the future of our planet and future generations. Industrialized countries prioritize their current pleasant and privileged life over their duty to ensure the same for others and future generations.

What about other greenhouse gases such as methane or nitrous oxide?

In addition to CO2, methane and nitrous oxide are significant greenhouse gases whose annual emissions are increasing sharply due to human activities. Methane is mainly produced by livestock in the agricultural sector and emitted in humid areas, especially with the thawing of permafrost. Nitrous oxide emissions primarily stem from agriculture through nitrogen fertilizers.

CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide exert various influences on climate, contributing significantly to the greenhouse effect despite their relatively low atmospheric concentrations. To compare their climate impact and define their warming potential, methane and nitrous oxide are expressed in CO2 equivalents (CO2e).

Assessing the risks of human-caused climate change and collecting appropriate prevention and adaptation strategies is the responsibility of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), an intergovernmental institution established by the United Nations Program United Environment Agency (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Sources: IPCC 2021, European Union (2019)/IEA (2018)/UNEP (2019)

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