Key Idea.
Section 1
Humans Change the Atmosphere
The recent spike in greenhouse gases is not natural; it is anthropogenic, meaning human-caused. For the first time in history, a single species is altering the chemistry of the entire atmosphere.
This change tracks perfectly with the industrial age, linking the rise in gases directly to human population growth and technological development.
Section 2
Burning Fossil Fuels Releases Carbon Dioxide
The biggest driver of climate change is the use of fossil fuels like coal and oil. These fuels contain ancient carbon stored underground for millions of years.
When we burn them for energy—a process called combustion—we release that stored carbon instantly as carbon dioxide. This floods the atmosphere with gas that would otherwise have remained trapped underground.
Section 3
Agriculture Adds to Emissions
Farming also contributes to the problem. Keeping livestock (like cows) releases massive amounts of methane. Furthermore, deforestation to clear land for farms removes trees that naturally clean the air.
Removing the forest and replacing it with pollution sources creates a double negative effect on the atmosphere.
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Section 1
Humans Change the Atmosphere
The recent spike in greenhouse gases is not natural; it is anthropogenic, meaning human-caused. For the first time in history, a single species is altering the chemistry of the entire atmosphere.
This change tracks perfectly with the industrial age, linking the rise in gases directly to human population growth and technological development.
Section 2
Burning Fossil Fuels Releases Carbon Dioxide
The biggest driver of climate change is the use of fossil fuels like coal and oil. These fuels contain ancient carbon stored underground for millions of years.
When we burn them for energy—a process called combustion—we release that stored carbon instantly as carbon dioxide. This floods the atmosphere with gas that would otherwise have remained trapped underground.
Section 3
Agriculture Adds to Emissions
Farming also contributes to the problem. Keeping livestock (like cows) releases massive amounts of methane. Furthermore, deforestation to clear land for farms removes trees that naturally clean the air.
Removing the forest and replacing it with pollution sources creates a double negative effect on the atmosphere.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter