In what ways have human activities contributed to global warming?

With this question it is important to focus on the human contribution to global warming rather than explaining why global warming is happening. 

Start your answer by explaining that carbon dioxide and methane are 'greenhouse gases'. This means that they absorb heat. Therefore more carbon dioxide or methane in the atmosphere means more heat will be absorbed and the earth will get warmer.

Humans have caused an increase in carbon dioxide in several different ways:

- Deforestation (the cutting down of trees) means less carbon dioxide is being absorbed by trees to be used in photosynthesis. 

- The burning of trees and fossil fuels such as coal releases extra carbon dioxide as they are stores (otherwise known as carbon dioxide 'sinks').

Human activities that cause an increase in methane include:

- Cattle farming

- The growing of rice in rice fields 

- Landfills; as the waste in landfills breaks down it releases mostly methane and carbon dioxide.

KM
Answered by Kaat M. Biology tutor

6417 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

The MMR vaccine gives protection against measles, mumps and rubella. How? (4 marks)


What are the main differences between Mitosis and Meiosis?


what is a test cross used for and how do you know what genotypes to cross?


What are oncogenes and how do they relate to tumor formation?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning