CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is caused due to that impact the natural composition of

the global climate elements (natural causes) and anthropogenic
activities (man-made causes).
NATURAL CAUSES
The sun’s energy: Earth becomes warmer or cooler based on the
quantum of solar energy it receives. It makes an impact on the
temperature and ultimately result in changes to the climate.
Atmospheric gases : Certain gases ( GHGs mainly CO2) have a strong
effect on the climate. These gases trap the heat in the earth’s
atmosphere. This trapped energy is then radiated or redistributed on
the earth’s surface altering the temperature and climate.
Ocean currents : when water moves up from the colder, deeper parts
of the ocean to the warmer surface, the heat is carried around the
globe. In this manner ocean currents have a big impact on earth’s
climate. When the normal path of the ocean current is disturbed,
climate change can happen ( eg: El Nino)
Volcanic eruptions: particles like dust, fumes etc., which are being
released into the atmosphere through volcanic eruptions on reaching
the upper parts of the atmosphere and staying there for fairly long
periods can directly affect the temperature and climate.
Snow and ice: The snow and ice being light in colour have the ability
to reflect solar energy back out to the atmosphere. When snow and
ice melt as earth’s climate warms up, less energy will be reflected and
lead to further warming.
MAN MADE CAUSES
Human activities contribute to climate change by causing changes in
Earth’s atmosphere in the amounts of greenhouse gases, aerosols
(small particles), and cloudiness. The largest known contribution
comes from the burning of fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide
gas to the atmosphere.
Greenhouse gases and aerosols affect climate by altering incoming
solar radiation and out-going infrared (thermal) radiation that are part
of Earth’s energy balance. Changing the atmospheric abundance or
properties of these gases and particles can lead to a warming or
cooling of the climate system.
Human activities, particularly the combustion of fossil fuels, are
altering the climate system.
Human-driven changes in land use and land cover such as
deforestation, urbanization, and shifts in vegetation patterns also alter
the climate, resulting in changes to the reflectivity of the Earth
surface (albedo), emissions from burning forests, urban heat island
effects and changes in the natural water cycle.