Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), trap heat in the atmosphere and are the primary cause of climate change. These gases are released through activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
Deforestation contributes to climate change by reducing the number of trees that can absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Forests act as carbon sinks, and their destruction increases the concentration of greenhouse gases.
Industrial activities release large amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse gases. This includes the production of cement, steel, and other materials that require high energy inputs from fossil fuels.
Agriculture contributes to climate change through methane emissions from livestock, rice paddies, and the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers that release nitrous oxide. Changing land use for agriculture also impacts carbon storage.