What human activity contributes to the rise of carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere?

The combustion of fossil fuels is a significant human activity that contributes to the rise of carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. When fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are burned for energy – for example, in power plants, vehicles, and industrial processes – they release carbon dioxide as a byproduct. This increase in carbon dioxide from human activities is a primary driver of climate change, as carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere.

In contrast, planting more trees helps absorb carbon dioxide, using renewable energy sources reduces dependence on fossil fuels and consequently decreases carbon emissions, and recycling materials generally helps to lower the energy intensity of production processes, further contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Each of these activities works towards mitigating climate change, unlike the combustion of fossil fuels, which directly adds to the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.