Portuguese Phrase
O que causa o aquecimento global?
Meaning
The sentence asks for the reasons or factors that lead to the phenomenon known as global warming. It is a neutral, factual question that can be used in scientific, educational, or everyday conversations about climate change.
When to use
Use this question when you want to start a discussion about climate change, in a classroom debate, a news interview, or when a friend brings up environmental topics. It works both in formal settings (presentations, reports) and informal chats.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Oquecausaoaquecimentoglobal?
Interrogative pronoun "O que"
"O que" is used to ask "what" about a subject; it functions as a single interrogative phrase.
Verb "causar" in present indicative
"causa" is the third‑person singular present indicative of "causar" (to cause).
Definite article with noun phrase
The article "o" repeats before "aquecimento global" because the noun phrase is masculine singular.
Noun phrase "aquecimento global"
"aquecimento" (warming) is masculine; "global" is an adjective that agrees in gender and number.
🗨In Conversation
O que causa o aquecimento global?
What causes global warming?
A principal causa é a emissão excessiva de gases de efeito estufa, como o CO₂, provenientes da queima de combustíveis fósseis.
The main cause is the excessive emission of greenhouse gases, like CO₂, from burning fossil fuels.
✕Common Mistakes
O que causa a aquecimento global?
The noun "aquecimento" is masculine, so the article must be "o".
O que causo o aquecimento global?
"Causo" is first‑person singular; the correct third‑person form is "causa".
O que causa o aquecimento global?
Missing the accent on "aquecimento" is a common typo; the correct spelling includes the accent on the 'e'.
↔Alternatives
Qual é a causa do aquecimento global?
What is the cause of global warming?
Quais fatores provocam o aquecimento global?
Which factors provoke global warming?
Por que o planeta está esquentando?
Why is the planet heating up?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, climate‑change topics are often discussed in both scientific circles and popular media. When speaking with older generations, a slightly more formal tone (e.g., "Qual é a causa…") is preferred, while younger people may use the shorter "O que causa…". Also, avoid mixing Portuguese with English terms unless the audience is familiar with them; say "gases de efeito estufa" instead of "greenhouse gases".