Many factors contribute to global warming. While there are natural causes for this phenomenon, Man has been instrumental in accelerating its pace. One of Man’s many harmful interferences in the affairs of nature is his use of fossil fuels.
We use fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas because they are the cheapest sources of energy available. However, they are also an important cause of global warming. Fossil fuels are formed when organic matter under the surface of the earth decomposes over millions of years. When these fossil fuels are burned for energy, they release a large quantity of carbon dioxide into the air. The presence of carbon dioxide in the air keeps the earth warmer. This is because it traps the heat obtained from sunlight and does not let it go beyond the atmosphere.
The heat in the atmosphere captured by carbon dioxide will rise proportionately as the percentage of the compound in the air rises significantly. This in turn, leads to an overall rise in the surface temperature of the earth.
There is no doubt that we depend too much on fossil fuels that release deadly amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. We need to start considering alternative sources of energy quickly. It is high time we think of other options such as nuclear, solar and wind energy.
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