What other factors can contribute to the rising in temperatures besides global warming?

Besides global warming, there are several other factors that can contribute to rising temperatures:

1. Urbanization: The rapid expansion of cities leads to the creation of concrete jungles where buildings, roads, and other infrastructure absorb and retain heat, resulting in an urban heat island effect. This effect can raise temperatures locally.

2. Land-use changes: Deforestation, agriculture, and land development can alter the reflective properties of the land surface, resulting in increased absorption of solar energy and higher temperatures.

3. Natural climate variability: Natural phenomena such as El Niño and La Niña cycles, volcanic eruptions, and solar radiation variations can cause temporary fluctuations in temperatures. These events can result in short-term temperature increases or decreases, irrespective of long-term global warming trends.

4. Air pollution: Certain pollutants, such as black carbon (soot) and other aerosols, can absorb sunlight and heat the atmosphere. Although these pollutants can have a cooling effect on the surface by reducing the amount of sunlight reaching it, they can also contribute to warming in the upper atmosphere.

5. Changes in land and oceanic surface properties: Alterations in vegetation cover, types of crops, or oceanic currents can affect how much solar radiation is absorbed or reflected, ultimately influencing regional temperatures.

To understand the specific contributions of each factor, scientists analyze long-term temperature records, satellite measurements, climate models, and conduct scientific studies to separate natural variability from human-induced warming associated with global climate change. Monitoring and analyzing these factors help scientists in determining the relative impact of various factors on rising temperatures.