Global warming is taking place at such a rapid rate that scientists and researchers fear the very worst in the years to come. This phenomenon is caused by Greenhouse gases (GHG), which are being released into the Earth’s atmosphere faster than has been recorded prior to the industrial revolution. Here’s a brief insight into the causes and effects of global warming.

The Causes

Greenhouse gases majorly consist of water vapor, ozone, carbon dioxide, and methane. Water vapor is the primary contributor towards the greenhouse effect measuring 36-70% followed by carbon dioxide contributing 9-26%; methane at 4-9% and finally ozone at 3-7%. The secondary greenhouse gases include sulfur hexafluoride, nitrous oxide, perfluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, and chlorofluorocarbons. There are certain sources of emission of these greenhouse gases, which can also be related to the human activity and they are:
• Burning of various fossil fuels is one of the key human activities that have led to a tremendous increase in the greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere. This is closely followed by deforestation.
• Changes in land-use are also responsible for increasing the concentration of CO2 and other greenhouse gases. With the increase in population there has been an increase in agriculture especially rice paddy farming and livestock. This has caused changes in the wetland. Covered vented landfill emissions have considerably increased the concentration of methane in the atmosphere. Some of the state of the art vented septic systems enhancing fermentation process is also a major source of methane emission.
• Chlorofluorocarbons are used by humans in various areas like in refrigerators. Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs are a major cause of concern as they play a vital role in increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases.
• Last but not the least use of fertilizers in agricultural activities produces high concentrations of nitrous oxide.

Based on comprehensive research and study, scientists have highlighted seven different sources of CO2, which are being released into the atmosphere due to the combustion of fossil fuel and they are:
• Petrol- Liquid fuels: 35%
• Coal- Solid fuels: 36%
• Flaring gas-mostly in wells and even industrially: