What is considered the major cause of climate change?

The major cause of climate change is tied closely to the increase in average global temperature. This rise in temperature is primarily driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which are largely attributed to human activities such as fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrial processes. As these gases trap heat, they lead to changes in climate patterns, affecting weather systems and causing various environmental impacts.

While natural disasters may be exacerbated by climate change, they are not a direct cause. Population growth can contribute to increased greenhouse gas emissions due to greater energy demand and resource consumption, but it is not the primary cause. Similarly, invasive species can disrupt ecosystems but do not fundamentally drive climate change. Thus, the increase in average global temperature serves as the central indicator and consequence of the broader phenomenon of climate change, making it the most accurate answer.