Causes of Global Warming

Causes of Global Warming

1. Industry

   • MEDCs
     • More CO2 is produced than in LEDCs
       • Fossil fuels
         • Industrial revolution increased use of fossil fuels.
         • When burnt they release CO2 and SO2.
   • LEDCs
     • Not much CO2 released as their industries aren't as developed.
       • As industries develop CO2 levels will increase.

2. Transport

   • Airplanes
     • Airplanes produce high levels of CO2
   • Petrol and diseal
     • Combust to release CO2

3. Agriculture

   • Cattle
     • Cattle farming releases methane.
       • Greenhouse gas

4. Deforestation

   • Disrupts photosynthesis
     • Trees take in CO2.
       • Release oxygen
         • Releases large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.
   • Combustion
     • Releases CO2

5. The Greenhouse effect

   • Solar radiation reaches the earth as short wave radiation (sunlight).
     • The Earth's surface absorbs and re-radiates the solar energy as long wave radiation (heat).
       • Greenhouse gases
         • Water vapour
         • carbon dioxide
         • Nitrous oxide
         • Methane
         • Absorb the long wave radiation and heat the lower layer of the atmosphere.
         • CFCs
           • Fridges and aerosols
         • Many occur naturally.