Burning fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) results in accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

1. Energy from the sun passes through the atmosphere to warm the earth's surface.

2. Some infrared radiation (heat) is reflected and escapes into space.

3. Carbon dioxide acts as a greenhouse gas to absorb heat that is trapped near the surface.

Accumulated carbon dioxide can lead to global warming, melting polar ice caps.

Note: 2017 was the 3rd hottest year ever, and 2018 was the 4th.

Other factors may also affect climate change.