Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The problem of the global environment refers to the widespread degradation of Earth's natural systems, such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. This problem is caused by various human activities.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Two major reasons for the problem of the global environment are:
1. Burning of Fossil Fuels: The industrial revolution was powered by fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas). The combustion of these fuels for energy, transport, and industry releases massive amounts of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO\(_2\)), into the atmosphere. This is the primary driver of global warming and climate change.
2. Deforestation and Land Use Change: The large-scale clearing of forests for agriculture, urbanization, and logging has a dual negative effect. It releases the vast amounts of carbon stored in trees back into the atmosphere and destroys the planet's capacity to absorb CO\(_2\). It also leads to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Two key reasons for the global environmental problem are the widespread burning of fossil fuels for energy and large-scale deforestation for agriculture and development.