Causes of Global Warming: Fossil Fuels, Deforestation & Politics
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Fossil Fuel Emissions
Burning fossil fuels like coal and gas to generate electricity or power vehicles releases CO2 pollution into the atmosphere.
Example: Australia
In Australia, electricity generation is the primary source of carbon pollution, with 73% of electricity derived from burning coal and 13% from burning gas.
Deforestation Impact
Deforestation occurs when humans clear large areas of vegetation for farming, urban development, or to harvest timber and palm oil. This process releases stored carbon into the atmosphere as CO2, contributing to global warming. Deforestation and forest degradation account for up to one-fifth of global greenhouse gas pollution.
Solutions for Global Warming
Reducing electricity generation from coal and gas, and increasing the use of clean, renewable energy sources like solar and wind, can significantly decrease carbon pollution. Preventing deforestation and actively planting trees through reforestation and afforestation are also crucial steps in combating global warming.
Additionally, using alternative stock feeds can help reduce farming's contribution to climate change.
Political Debate and Climate Change
Global warming remains a subject of widespread political debate, often divided along party lines, particularly in the United States. Many scientific findings, such as human responsibility for global warming, are subject to politically or economically motivated attempts to downplay, dismiss, or deny them—a phenomenon known as climate change denial. The funding sources for climate science research, both supporting and opposing mainstream positions, have been questioned. Debates also exist regarding the best policy responses, their cost-effectiveness, and their urgency. Climate scientists have reported pressure to censor or suppress their work, and legal cases concerning global warming have reached American courts. The fossil fuel industry has been identified as supporting efforts to undermine the scientific consensus on global warming.