In the second article of our climate science series, we address the question: who's causing climate change? The answer, backed by overwhelming scientific evidence, is us.
Human activities — primarily the burning of fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and industry — have dramatically increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. CO2 levels are now higher than at any point in at least 800,000 years.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has stated unequivocally that human influence has warmed the planet. The evidence comes from multiple independent lines of research, from ice cores to satellite data.
Understanding that we are the cause is actually empowering — because it means we also hold the solution. By changing how we live, work, and manage our money, we can reduce emissions and limit the damage.