What are the Sources of Global Warming Pollution?

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The largest source of carbon dioxide emissions globally is the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas in power plants, automobiles, and industrial facilities.  Carbon dioxide is the major driver of global warming. Although carbon dioxide is produced naturally by volcanoes, the decay of dead plant matter and natural forest fires, almost all of these sources of carbon dioxide are balanced by the earth's natural systems. For example, growing plants and the oceans absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere so that it can not affect the global climate. It is, however, the addition of billions of tonnes (metric tons) of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere each year, mainly from the burning of fossil fuels, that is overpowering these natural processes. This results in the continued buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and causes significant global changes to occur.

Power Plant (NASA)

We are currently pumping over 28 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. The average person in the world today releases more than 11 kg (25 lbs) of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each day. The average American emits almost five times this amount, producing about  55 kg (125 lbs)of carbon dioxide every day. If we do not make significant changes to the way we use and produce energy, global temperatures could increase by another  1.9oC to 3.9oC (3.5oF to 7oF) by the middle of this century. This may seem insignificant, however, this is the largest increase in temperature in the last 1000 years and is occuring more rapidly than almost any other warming period in history.

This increase in global temperatures is likely to result in a series of catastrophic changes across the globe, including worse droughts, stronger hurricanes, the flooding of low-lying areas by rising sea levels, the extinction of many species and a major disruption in the global production of food.

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Heavy Extinction Risk for King Penguins

Climate change strikes again - this time, King Penguins.  With temperatures projected to increase in the Antarctic by 0.4ºC over the next two decades, King Penguins' chances of survival have dropped by 15%.  King Penguins feed on small fish and squid, which subsequently are declining because of warming in the Southern Ocean.  These penguins inhabit islands to the north of Antarctica, but warming temperatures are diminishing their food supply and forcing them to travel further in search for something to eat.  This extra effort, in turn, is taking its toll on their overall health and ability to survive.  Temperature increases jeopardize the future wellbeing of this species, and only time will tell if the King Penguin will be able to cope with the stresses of climate change. To find out more, read an article from the Telegraph or the scientific report from The National Academy of Sciences.

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