What Causes Global Warming: 5 Major Causes and How to Stop It

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Today, we celebrate Earth Day. As we honor our planet, many of us notice changes in our environment. Have you noticed that summers are getting hotter? Or that storms are becoming stronger? These changes happen because of global warming. What causes global warming is a question many people ask as they see these changes in weather patterns around the world.

Global warming affects everyone on Earth. It changes how we live, the food we grow, and the water we drink. What causes global warming is mainly human activities that release certain gases into the air. These gases trap heat from the sun and make the Earth warmer.

So, what causes global warming? In this article, we will talk about what global warming is, its causes, why it matters to us, and how to stop it. We gathered the information from various sources, Monday (2/3/2026).

Global warming is the slow increase in Earth's temperature over time. Since the 1800s, our planet has become about 1.1°C (2°F) warmer. This may not seem like much, but even small changes in temperature can cause big problems for our planet.

When we talk about global warming, we mean the heating of Earth's surface, oceans, and air. This happens when certain gases in the air trap heat from the sun. These gases work like a blanket around Earth, keeping heat close to the surface instead of letting it go back into space.

Global warming is part of climate change. While global warming refers to rising temperatures, climate change includes all the effects that come from these higher temperatures. These effects include changes in rainfall, more extreme weather events, melting ice, and rising sea levels.

Global warming happens because of certain human activities that release greenhouse gases into the air. These gases trap heat from the sun, making our planet warmer over time. Here are the main causes of global warming:

1. Burning Fossil Fuels

The main cause of global warming is the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. When we burn these fuels to make electricity, run cars, or heat buildings, they release carbon dioxide (CO2) into the air. Carbon dioxide is the most common greenhouse gas that traps heat in our atmosphere.

2. Deforestation

Deforestation is another major cause of global warming. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air. When forests are cut down or burned, this carbon dioxide goes back into the air. Also, fewer trees means less carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere.

3. Agriculture

Agriculture contributes to global warming in several ways. Cows and sheep produce a gas called methane during digestion. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas. Farming also uses large machines that burn fuel and release carbon dioxide. Some fertilizers release another greenhouse gas called nitrous oxide.

4. Transportation

Transportation is a big source of greenhouse gases. Cars, trucks, planes, and ships mostly run on gasoline or diesel fuel. When these vehicles burn fuel, they release carbon dioxide. More people and more travel mean more greenhouse gases in the air.

5. Industrial Processes

Industrial processes also cause global warming. Factories that make cement, steel, chemicals, and other products use a lot of energy. This energy often comes from burning fossil fuels. Some industrial processes also directly release greenhouse gases.

Global warming creates many dangers for our planet and all living things. Here are the main risks:

1. Heat Waves and Health Problems

Global warming leads to higher temperatures across the world. These higher temperatures cause heat waves that can harm human health. Heat-related illnesses increase, and outdoor work becomes more difficult. Wildfires also start more easily and spread faster when conditions are hot.

2. Extreme Weather Events

Rising temperatures cause more severe storms and floods in many regions. As the air gets warmer, it holds more moisture. This leads to heavier rainfall and more destructive storms. Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones become stronger as ocean temperatures rise.

3. Water Scarcity and Flooding

Water problems increase with global warming. Some areas face more droughts as higher temperatures dry out the soil. Other places get too much rain at once, causing floods. These changes affect the water we drink and the food we grow.

4. Rising Sea Levels

The ocean suffers greatly from global warming. As the ocean gets warmer, its water expands and takes up more space. This, along with melting ice from glaciers, makes sea levels rise. Higher sea levels threaten coastal cities and islands. The ocean also absorbs carbon dioxide, which makes it more acidic and harms marine life.

5. Biodiversity Loss

Plants and animals face serious dangers from global warming. Many species cannot adapt quickly enough to changing conditions. Some are moving to new areas, while others may disappear forever. Scientists estimate that up to one million species could face extinction in the coming decades due to climate change.

6. Food Insecurity

Global warming affects food production around the world. Higher temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events can damage crops and reduce harvests. Some regions may no longer be able to grow the crops they traditionally produced. This leads to food shortages and higher food prices, especially in poorer countries.

7. Spread of Diseases

As temperatures rise, disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes and ticks can survive in new areas. This leads to the spread of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease to regions where they were not common before. Warmer weather can also help harmful bacteria grow faster in food and water.

8. Economic Damage

The effects of global warming cause huge economic costs. Damage from storms, floods, and wildfires destroys homes and businesses. Agricultural losses, health impacts, and the need to adapt infrastructure all require massive spending. These costs will increase as global warming continues.

There are many actions we can take to help stop global warming. Here are some important steps:

1. Reduce Fossil Fuel Use

Reducing fossil fuel use is the most important step to stop global warming. We can switch to clean energy sources like solar and wind power. Using less energy at home by turning off lights and appliances when not needed also helps. Energy-efficient appliances and vehicles use less power and produce fewer greenhouse gases.

2. Protect and Plant Trees

Protecting forests is vital in the fight against global warming. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, so planting more trees and preventing deforestation helps reduce greenhouse gases in the air. Supporting organizations that work to preserve forests is a good way to help.

3. Change Transportation Habits

Changing how we travel can make a big difference. Using public transportation, carpooling, walking, or biking reduces the amount of greenhouse gases from vehicles. When buying a car, choosing one with good fuel efficiency or an electric vehicle helps reduce emissions.

4. Support Sustainable Agriculture

Supporting sustainable agriculture practices helps limit greenhouse gases from farming. Eating more plant-based foods and less meat, especially beef, can reduce methane emissions. Buying locally grown food also helps because it doesn't need to be transported as far.

5. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Everyone can take part in reducing waste. Recycling paper, glass, and plastic reduces the need to make new materials, which requires energy. Reusing items instead of throwing them away and composting food waste also helps limit greenhouse gas emissions.

6. Support Climate-Friendly Policies

Supporting policies that address global warming is important. This includes voting for leaders who take climate change seriously and supporting laws that limit greenhouse gas emissions. Raising awareness about global warming and its causes helps more people understand the problem and take action.