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Understanding Global Change

Discover why the climate and environment changes, your place in the Earth system, and paths to a resilient future.

Understanding Global Change

Discover why the climate and environment changes, your place in the Earth system, and paths to a resilient future.

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  • What is Global Change?
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    • Understanding Global Change 101
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Home → What is Global Change → Causes of Global Change → Human causes

Human causes

Human activities are rapidly changing in the rate and magnitude of Earth system processes, and have resulted in observable, measurable changes in the Earth system, especially over the last 150 years.

Click the icons below to learn more about the human causes of global change. Each page links to related topics on the UGC Infographic.

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  • Human causes
  • Non-human causes

Agricultural activities

Burning of fossil fuels

Deforestation / reforestation

Fishing and hunting

Freshwater use

Habitat loss / restoration

Innovation

Invasive species

Pollutants and waste

Population growth

Renewable energy

Resource extraction

Urbanization

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