Most increases in carbon dioxide emissions come from burning fossil fuels to run automobiles, power plants, and industries. The second largest source is land-use change, mainly the clearing of forests for agriculture or development.

NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas. MS-ESS3.D – Global Climate Change. Human activities, such as the release of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, are major factors in the current rise in Earth’s mean surface temperature (global warming). Reducing the level of climate change and reducing human vulnerability to whatever climate changes do occur depend on the understanding of climate science, engineering capabilities, and other kinds of knowledge, such as understanding of human behavior and on applying that knowledge wisely in decisions and activities.