Top 5 Causes of Climate Change: The Industries That Do The Most Damage

We know that climate change is caused by greenhouse gases, but have you ever wondered where those come from? Man-made systems are to blame, some having a much larger impact than others. This article will explore the commonly cited 5 industries and systems that emit these gases and break down their contribution to global warming. For a refresher on the science behind climate change, check out the Climate Change 101 post here. Otherwise, keep reading to learn about the top 5 causes of climate change.

There are 5 major industries responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, each of which can be further broken down into different categories. It should be noted that there are also natural causes of greenhouse gas emissions, but science has proven that man-made systems and industries are to blame, as they emit these gases at a much higher rate than any known natural cause. The spike in emissions over all of Earth's known history also lines up with major technological developments in humanity's history. While the percentages vary among research papers and calculations, there is a general consensus around the main industries to blame. The top 5 industries causing climate change are described below.

1. Energy

   The energy sector is responsible for the vast majority of greenhouse gas emissions, making up 75.7% of all emissions in 2021. The Energy sector is responsible for burning fossil fuels like petroleum, coal, and natural gas to make energy. This sector includes emissions from things like electricity and heating, transportation, and construction, to name a few. This sector encompasses any process that is a part of the extraction or distribution process of energy, which is why transportation is included here. Within the sector, residential buildings and road transportation are neck and neck for the largest emitter spot. Residential buildings were responsible for 12.5% of global emissions, and road transportation was responsible for 12%.

   
   

The next 4 sectors combined make up the other quarter of total global emissions.

2. Agriculture

   Agriculture is the 2nd most emitting sector, but estimates vary greatly as far as the actual percentage of emissions this industry is responsible for. This is due to the differences in what is included in this sector, strictly agriculture, or the broader food systems as well. The World Resources Institute puts its estimate at 11.7%, similar to the IPCC's estimate. Other sources cite agriculture as being responsible for upwards of 30% of global emissions. Agriculture releases greenhouse gases through a variety of processes; fermentation, manure management, field burning, and soil management are some examples. Though a lot of emissions are associated with animal agriculture and the release of methane, certain crops ike rice can also take their toll on the environment.

3. Industrial Processes

   This sector entails other processes outside of the energy sector and is responsible for about 6.5% of global emissions. It includes things like cement production, chemical and petrochemical processes, electronic power systems, and several others. While this is a small sector, it is one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions, having grown by 225% since 1990.

4. Waste Emissions

   An often overlooked source of greenhouse gas emissions, waste accounts for 3.4% of global emissions. Landfills emit nitrous oxide and methane as garbage breaks down, and the garbage wouldn't be there in the first place if it weren't for us. Methane and nitrous oxide are both significantly more powerful greenhouse gases than carbon dioxide, but they are just present in much smaller amounts.

5. Land Use/Forestry

   The smallest emitter of greenhouse gases, according to the World Resources Institute, is land use. This was calculated by accounting for the greenhouse gases emitted from the land itself through processes like soil breakdown or trees being cut down, as well as the carbon sink capacity that is lost when land is developed on. Natural areas are capable of absorbing carbon dioxide, a process that is lost to deforestation and human development.

Conclusion

While there are many processes at play in the process of global warming, human development greatly outweighs any of the processes that occur in nature. So much so, that it is widely accepted as fact that humanity is to blame for the increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, with burning fossil fuels to blame. While the energy sector is responsible for the vast majority of emissions, there are 5 main industries to which emissions are attributed to. Each one can be further broken down into specific activities or processes. Global warming is something that affects us all, and we have a responsibility to make better lifestyle decisions now that we are informed. For tips on how to get started living sustainably, visit our post on 10 sustainable habits you can start for free here.

References Used For This Article:

https://www.wri.org/insights/4-charts-explain-greenhouse-gas-emissions-countries-and-sectors

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/energy_sector.asp#:~:text=The%20energy%20sector%20encompasses%20a,homes%2C%20transportation%2C%20and%20industries.

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/energy_sector.asp#:~:text=The%20energy%20sector%20encompasses%20a,homes%2C%20transportation%2C%20and%20industries.

https://science.nasa.gov/climate-change/causes/

https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/energy-and-the-environment/where-greenhouse-gases-come-from.php

https://peqh.uga.edu/2023/10/poultry-greenhouse-gas-emissions/