Topic Summaries

Causes of climate change

IGCSE > Geography > CIE > IGCSE Geography Topic Summaries > Climate change > Causes of climate change
Previous Module
Next Module

Weather hazards and atmospheric circulation

Tropical storm hazards

Responding to tropical storms

Hot desert ecosystems

Cold environment ecosystems

Glacial landscapes

Glacial landform processes

Water supply

Energy supply

  • Natural factors:
    • Orbital changes: the Earth’s orbit is elliptical, and its axis is tilted, which changes the amount of the Sun’s energy reaching the Earth’s surface.
    • Volcanic activity: volcanic eruptions release substantial amounts of sulphur dioxide, which blocks sunlight and temporarily reduces global temperatures.
    • Solar output: the Sun’s energy output changes in an 11-year cycle. Increased sunspots lead to higher global temperatures.
  • Human factors: 
    • Burning fossil fuels: burning coal, oil, and gas releases CO2, accounting for 50% of greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Agriculture: farming livestock and growing crops like rice produce methane, contributing to 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. 
    • Deforestation: felling trees for agriculture or logging increases CO2 levels because there are limited trees to absorb CO2 through photosynthesis.
    • Industrial processes: manufacturing and chemical production release greenhouse gases like CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Unlock Causes of climate change

Subscribe to SnapRevise+ to get immediate access to the rest of this resource.

Premium accounts get immediate access to this resource.

Previous Module
Next Module