American Meteorological Society Certification (AMS) Practice

The primary cause of global warming is the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This increase is largely attributable to human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas for energy, transportation, and industrial processes. When these fuels are burned, they release significant amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. This enhanced greenhouse effect leads to an increase in global temperatures over time.

While deforestation contributes to global warming by reducing the number of trees that can absorb carbon dioxide, and natural climate cycles can affect climate patterns, the predominant driver currently influencing global warming trends is the rise in carbon dioxide levels. Volcanic activity does produce greenhouse gases, but its impact is relatively small compared to emissions from human activities. Therefore, the increase in carbon dioxide is the most significant factor recognized in the discussion of anthropogenic causes of global warming.