11/18/21, 11:23 AM 6.3.1.

Causes of Climate Change: GEC 007-CE41S2 - Science, Technology and Society

6.3.1. Causes of Climate Change

GEC 007 Module 6 Banner.jpg

Introduction
Hello!

This section tackles the causes of climate change and I hope that through this lesson, you would be able to apply the learnings in your
own community to help our environment recuperate from the damages brought about by the man-made activities. 

To start with our lesson, let me give you first the intended learning outcomes,

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the discussion, you are expected to

1.  explain the causes of climate change and

2.  gives examples of human activities that cause climate change.

Discussion
Indeed, Climate Change is a threat to both developing and developed nations around the world. But what exactly causes it? Scientists
like those from NASA attribute the global warming trend observed since the mid-20th century to the human expansion of the
"greenhouse effect" (https://climate.nasa.gov/causes/#no1) — warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from
Earth toward space. But overall, there are three major causes of climate change, though it could be natural or by human activities such
as:

Volcanic Eruptions - When volcanoes erupt, it emits different natural aerosols like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxides, salt crystals,
volcanic ashes or dust, and even microorganisms like bacteria and viruses all of which are greenhouse gases; Can cause a cooling
effect to the lithosphere because its emitted aerosol can block a certain percentage of solar radiation.
Orbital Changes - Also known as the Earth’s movement around the sun

Earth’s orbit can also cause climate change, this was proposed by the Milankovitch theory. As the Earth travels through space
around the Sun, cyclical variations in three elements of Earth-Sun geometry combine to produce variations in the amount of solar
energy that reaches Earth.
Human Activities - The largest known contribution comes from the burning of fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide gas into the
atmosphere. Human activities result in emissions of four principal greenhouse gases:
carbon dioxide
Methane
nitrous oxide
Halocarbons

If you like, you might want to watch the video below to learn more.

Link (https://youtu.be/X5PBT59DLy8)

(https://youtu.be/X5PBT59DLy8)

Summary

https://tip.instructure.com/courses/24623/pages/6-dot-3-1-causes-of-climate-change?module_item_id=1972624 1/2
11/18/21, 11:23 AM 6.3.1. Causes of Climate Change: GEC 007-CE41S2 - Science, Technology and Society

As we all know, the earth has gone through warm and cool phases in the past, and long before humans were around. Forces that
contribute to climate change include the sun’s intensity, volcanic eruptions, and changes in naturally occurring greenhouse gas
concentrations. But records indicate that today’s climatic warming—particularly the warming since the mid-20th century—is occurring
much faster than ever before and can’t be explained by natural causes alone. Humans—more specifically, the greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions we generate—are the leading cause of the earth’s rapidly changing climate. Greenhouse gases play an important role in
keeping the planet warm enough to inhabit. But the amount of these gases in our atmosphere has skyrocketed in recent decades. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sources
Nieva, A. and Quinto E. (2019). Science, Technology, and Society.  C and E Publishing House, Quezon City

Serafica, J. et. al. ( 2018). Science, technology, and Society. Rex Book Store. Manila, Philippines.

Denchack, M. 2017. Global Climate Change: What You Need to Know. NRDC

Copernicus EU. 2019. What is causing climate change? Copernicus EU/YouTube

https://tip.instructure.com/courses/24623/pages/6-dot-3-1-causes-of-climate-change?module_item_id=1972624 2/2