The term ‘Climate change’ denotes significant, long-term changes in global temperatures and meteorological patterns. Such changes can occur due to natural factors such as changes in the sun’s activity and large volcanic eruptions. However, since the Industrial Revolution, anthropogenic activities—specifically the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas—have been the prime causes of climatic shifts.
Which of the following is closest in meaning to the underlined word ‘anthropogenic’ in the text above?
Explanation
To find the word closest in meaning to anthropogenic, let's analyze its etymology and contextual usage:
1. Etymological Breakdown
The word anthropogenic is derived from Greek roots:
"anthropo-" means relating to human beings or humanity (e.g., anthropology).
"-genic" means producing, generated by, or caused by (e.g., carcinogenic, biogenic).
Combining these two components, anthropogenic literally translates to "originating from or caused by human activity".
2. Contextual Analysis from the Passage
The text contrasts natural drivers of climate change (such as the sun's activity and volcanic eruptions) with changes happening since the Industrial Revolution.
It specifies that these activities include "the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas", which are distinctly industrial actions carried out by humans.
