Two main reasons why carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are rising are:
- Burning of fossil fuels : The combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas for energy releases large amounts of carbon dioxide that was previously stored underground for millions of years. This is the primary driver of the increase in atmospheric CO2 since the Industrial Revolution, with emissions from fossil fuels increasing every decade and reaching about 36.6 billion tons in 2023
- Deforestation : Cutting down forests reduces the number of trees that absorb CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. Additionally, the carbon stored in trees is released back into the atmosphere when they are cut down or burned, further increasing CO2 levels
These human activities disrupt the natural carbon cycle, causing CO2 to accumulate in the atmosphere and intensify the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming
