Human activity is the primary driver of contemporary climate change studied in IB Geography, particularly within the Global Climate: Vulnerability and Resilience unit. While natural factors influence climate over long timescales, the rapid increase in global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution is largely the result of human actions that increase greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
The most significant human cause of climate change is the burning of fossil fuels. Coal, oil, and natural gas are used extensively for electricity generation, transport, and industry. When fossil fuels are burned, they release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat, preventing it from escaping into space. As industrial activity and global energy demand increase, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels rise, intensifying the greenhouse effect.
Deforestation is another major contributor to climate change. Forests act as carbon sinks by absorbing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. When forests are cleared for agriculture, logging, or urban development, this stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere. Deforestation also reduces the planet’s ability to absorb future carbon emissions, accelerating global warming. Tropical rainforests are particularly important in this process due to their size and high carbon storage capacity.
Agriculture also plays a significant role in human-driven climate change. Livestock farming produces methane, a greenhouse gas that is more powerful than carbon dioxide over shorter timescales. Rice cultivation and the use of fertilisers release methane and nitrous oxide, further increasing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. As global food demand rises, agricultural emissions continue to grow.
Industrial processes and urbanisation contribute additional emissions. Cement production releases carbon dioxide during chemical reactions, while expanding cities increase energy consumption and transport emissions. Urban heat islands can also raise local temperatures, reinforcing warming trends.
In IB Geography, students must understand not only the causes of climate change but also how these activities are linked to economic development. High-income countries historically produced the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, while rapidly industrialising middle-income countries are now major contributors. This creates debate around responsibility and climate justice.
Human activities have significantly altered Earth’s climate system by increasing greenhouse gas emissions at an unprecedented rate. These changes are driving global temperature rise, sea level increase, and more frequent extreme weather events.
RevisionDojo helps IB Geography students clearly explain human causes of climate change by linking processes to real-world examples and exam-style evaluation, building confident and well-structured responses.
