The Role of Human Society in the Alteration of the Atmosphere and Initiation of Climate Change

Hello again! 

Today we'll be taking a closer look at the role of human society in altering the atmosphere and initiating climate change!

 How do Humans alter the Atmosphere?

Humans change the composition of the atmosphere in the following ways:

• Use of pollutants such as pesticides, aerosols, air conditioners etc.
• Industrialization - facilities which release gases and chemical for example, landfills, sewage treatment facilities etc.
• Vehicle and Energy e.g., burning of fossil fuels.
• Deforestation

Image showing industrial pollution.

These activities change the concentration of gases in the atmosphere, primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, resulting in rising global temperatures.

How do humans influence Climate Change?

Although the earth naturally emits carbon dioxide and other gases, humans have disrupted the natural atmospheric balance of these gases. As a result, humans have started human-caused climate change. Human-caused climate change is primarily marked by greenhouse gas emissions caused by various activities, including those mentioned above. All of these activities are essential in maintaining a well-functioning society.

Diagram showing human activities and their greenhouse gas emissions.

To Review:

The following human activities can result in the release of specific greenhouse gases, causing and intensifying global warming.

                           Table 1. Showing human activities and their greenhouse gas emissions.

Human Activity	Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Energy and fuel - burning fossil fuels for planes, trains, cars, electricity etc.	carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide
Industrialization-landfills, sewage treatment facilities etc.	carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane etc.
Deforestation- releases trapped carbon from trees.	carbon dioxide
Use of pollutants- pesticides, aerosols, air conditioners, refrigerators etc.	chlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide
Agriculture-livestock farming (cows and sheep), fertilizers etc.	Methane, nitrous oxide

Other factors of climate change like warmer oceans, melting ice caps, and unpredictable weather are all facilitated by rising global temperatures.

I hope you understand how human society can alter the atmosphere and initiate climate change!

Signing off for the last time, Farewell from Quater the Canary!

~~ See you.