What is a major factor driving climate change?

The major factor driving climate change is the burning of fossil fuels. This process releases vast amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are used extensively for energy production, transportation, and industrial activities. When burned, they convert stored carbon into CO2, which then accumulates in the atmosphere, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect.

This enhanced greenhouse effect is responsible for trapping more heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to global warming and subsequent changes in climate patterns. The rapid increase in CO2 concentrations correlates strongly with the rise in average global temperatures, making fossil fuel combustion a primary driver of contemporary climate change.

In contrast, increased plant growth and enhanced carbon sequestration can help mitigate climate change effects by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. Natural climate cycles do influence the Earth’s climate over long periods, but the current rapid changes observed are predominantly a consequence of human activities, particularly the combustion of fossil fuels.