1. Fossil Fuel Burning (75% of emissions)
Combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas releases CO₂ stored underground for millions of years:
- Power stations burning coal: C + O₂ → CO₂
- Vehicles burning petrol/diesel: C₈H₁₈ + 12.5O₂ → 8CO₂ + 9H₂O
- Industrial processes and home heating
2. Deforestation (11% of emissions)
- Reduces photosynthesis capacity — less CO₂ removed from atmosphere
- Releases stored carbon when trees are burned or decay
- Amazon rainforest has lost 17% of its area since the 1970s
3. Agriculture (14% of emissions)
- Cattle produce methane (CH₄) through digestion (enteric fermentation)
- Rice paddies release CH₄ from flooded, anaerobic soils
- Fertiliser use produces nitrous oxide (N₂O)
4. Industrial Processes
- Cement production: CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂
- Steel manufacturing and chemical production
- Waste management (landfill methane)
This deep dive covers Human Activities Causing Climate Change within Climate Change for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Climate Change in Atmosphere for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 4 of 17 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Climate Change
Which statement correctly describes the difference between weather and climate?
Explain three consequences of climate change for the environment or human populations. [3 marks]
Quick recall flashcards
At what rate is Arctic sea ice declining?
13% per decade
How have CO₂ levels changed since 1880?
Increased from 280 ppm to over 420 ppm (a 50% increase)