GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Human activities are responsible for almost all of the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere over the last 150 years. The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities in the United States is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation.

Detailed explanation-2: -What are the major causes of the greenhouse effect? Burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, farming and livestock production all contribute to the greenhouse effect. Industries and factories also play a major role in the release of greenhouse gases.

Detailed explanation-3: -This increase happens because the coal or oil burning process combines carbon with oxygen in the air to make CO2. To a lesser extent, clearing of land for agriculture, industry, and other human activities has increased concentrations of greenhouse gases.

Detailed explanation-4: -Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides, and water vapor. (Water vapor, which responds physically or chemically to changes in temperature, is called a “feedback.") Scientists have determined that carbon dioxide’s warming effect helps stabilize Earth’s atmosphere.

Detailed explanation-5: -Air conditioners and fridges contain potent greenhouse gases known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).