According to the United Nations, increasing greenhouse gas emissions from human activity act like a blanket wrapped around the earth, trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures.
Examples of greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change include
carbon dioxide and methane. These come from burning fossil fuels such as gasoline
for driving a car or coal for heating a building. Clearing land and forests can also
release carbon dioxide. Landfills for garbage are another source. Energy, industry, agriculture and waste disposal are among the major emitters.
Greenhouse gas concentrations are at their highest levels in 2 million years and
continue to rise. As a result, the earth is about 1.1°C warmer than it was in the 1800s.
The last decade was the warmest on record.