Italian Phrase
Cosa causa il riscaldamento globale?
Meaning
The sentence asks for the factors or processes that lead to the increase of Earth's average temperature, i.e., the causes of global warming. It can be used in scientific discussions, classroom debates, or casual conversation about climate change.
When to use
Use this question when you want to explore the scientific, economic, or social reasons behind climate change, whether in a classroom, a documentary, or a conversation with friends interested in the environment.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cosacausailriscaldamentoglobale?
Interrogative pronoun "Cosa"
"Cosa" means "what" and is used at the beginning of a question to ask about the nature or cause of something.
Verb "causare" (causa)
The verb "causare" is regular, third‑person singular present indicative: "causa" = "causes".
Definite article "il"
Used before masculine singular nouns that start with a consonant; here it introduces "riscaldamento".
Noun phrase "il riscaldamento globale"
"Riscaldamento" (warming) is masculine; "globale" is an adjective that agrees in gender and number.
Question mark
In written Italian, a question ends with a single "?"; the spoken intonation rises at the end.
🗨In Conversation
Cosa causa il riscaldamento globale?
What causes global warming?
Le emissioni di CO₂, la deforestazione e l'uso intensivo di combustibili fossili sono i principali fattori.
CO₂ emissions, deforestation, and intensive use of fossil fuels are the main factors.
✕Common Mistakes
Cosa causare il riscaldamento globale?
Do not use "causare" in infinitive form; the sentence needs the conjugated third‑person singular "causa".
Cosa causa riscaldamento globale?
Avoid dropping the article; "riscaldamento globale" alone sounds incomplete in this question.
Cosa sono le cause del riscaldamento globale?
When you want a more formal tone, use "Quali sono le cause..." instead of "Cosa".
↔Alternatives
Quali sono le cause del riscaldamento globale?
What are the causes of global warming?
Che cosa provoca il riscaldamento globale?
What provokes global warming?
Perché il pianeta si sta riscaldando?
Why is the planet warming up?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, climate‑change topics are often discussed in schools and media, but the phrase "riscaldamento globale" can also appear in political debates. When speaking with older generations, you might hear "cambiamento climatico" instead, which is a broader term.