Spanish Phrase
¿Qué causa el calentamiento global?
Meaning
The sentence asks for the reasons behind global warming. It seeks an explanation of the factors—human or natural—that are driving the rise in Earth's average temperature.
When to use
Use this question in a classroom discussion, a news interview, or a casual conversation when you want to explore the causes of climate change. It works both in formal settings (e.g., a scientific panel) and informal chats with friends.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Quécausaelcalentamientoglobal?
Interrogative Pronoun ¿Qué?
¿Qué means 'what' and is used to ask for information about a thing or concept.
Verb Causa (Present Indicative)
Causa is the third‑person singular present form of causar, meaning 'causes' or 'is the cause of'.
Definite Article el
El is the masculine singular definite article, used here because 'calentamiento' is masculine.
Noun Calentamiento
Calentamiento means 'warming' and together with global forms the compound noun 'global warming'.
Adjective Global
Global agrees in gender and number with calentamiento, so it stays in masculine singular form.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué causa el calentamiento global?
What causes global warming?
Principalmente la quema de combustibles fósiles y la deforestación.
Primarily the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.
✕Common Mistakes
Que causa el calentamiento global?
Do not drop the accent on 'qué'; without it the word becomes the conjunction 'que'.
¿Qué causa los calentamientos globales?
The noun is singular; adding an -es makes it plural and incorrect here.
¿Qué causar el calentamiento global?
Avoid using the infinitive 'causar' instead of the conjugated form 'causa' when forming a question.
↔Alternatives
¿Cuál es la causa del calentamiento global?
What is the cause of global warming?
¿Por qué se está calentando el planeta?
Why is the planet warming up?
¿Qué factores provocan el calentamiento global?
What factors provoke global warming?
Cultural Tip
In Spanish‑speaking countries the term 'calentamiento global' is widely used in media and education. When discussing it, avoid blaming a single factor; the consensus emphasizes a combination of human activities (especially fossil‑fuel combustion) and feedback loops in nature. Using the formal '¿Qué causa…?' shows respect for the seriousness of the topic, while a more casual '¿Por qué se calienta el planeta?' can be used among friends.