Manmade Chemicals a Major Cause of Climate Change

Although the earths climate evolves naturally, the major cause of climate change that is harmful to the earth are manmade chemicals. While these chemicals are necessary to produce certain items, operate essential equipment, or make our daily lives easier, they are a danger to the environment and the air we breathe. As such, the U.S. and international governments are establishing regulations to limit the usage of substances that deplete the ozone layer or have a high global warming potential.

Many other systems that we rely upon on a day-to-day basis contain refrigerant gas, which is a major cause of climate change. The gas is used to run the commercial refrigeration units, HVAC systems and a conditioning systems, and is composed of chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons, known to contribute to global warming. Its usage is scheduled to be phased out by 2015.

Fossil fuels are a major cause of climate change because they lead to an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Natural gas, oil and coal used to operate vehicles and generate electricity emit high levels of carbon dioxide, identified as a chief contributor to global warming. Fossil fuels also produce carbon monoxide, methane emissions, nitrous oxide and nitrogen oxides, all substances that impact air quality and global warming.

Methane is a significant cause of climate change and is a natural substance discharge by animals, including cows, pigs, sheep and horses. Methane gas can be found around landfills, in fertilizers and near coal mines and oil drilling sites. In a gas leak, a high volume of this dangerous chemical is discharged.

There are many harmful gases found in the day-to-day equipment that we are so used to, substances which are a root cause of climate change. We do not have to look far for these gases, as they are common in commercial refrigerators,air conditioners, HVAC systems, freezers etc. Targeted gases include fluorine, chlorine, bromine, atomic chlorine, nitric oxide, hydrochlorofluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons.

A number of processes and daily household items are being studied to identify measures that would limit their impact on global warming. Aerosols are under study as well as animal agriculture, deforestation, cement manufacturing and land usage — all considered to be a primary cause of climate change.

Many types of pollutants are a cause of climate change. Common pollutants are carbon dioxide, methane, black carbon and nitrous oxide. As these pollutants grow, the protective layer trapping heat from the sun becomes damaged, thus resulting in global warming. Scientists warn that global warming can destroy the planet if no action is taken.

Simply put, too much heat stored in the atmosphere is the cause of climate change. The amount of greenhouse gases in the air contributes to atmospheric heat. Overwhelming heat can create significant changes in the earths climate, affecting both land and ocean. As a result, human, animal, plant and marine life will be severely impacted.