THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT

May 10, 2023

"Go green, breathe clean"

THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT

Greenhouse Effect Impacts

What is Greenhouse effect ?

The greenhouse effect, which was first recognised by scientists in the 1800s, is the natural warming of the globe caused by gases in the atmosphere trapping solar heat that would otherwise escape into space.

In order to maintain life on earth, well, habitable, our atmosphere goes through a natural process called the greenhouse effect. It involves various atmospheric gases that work as a blanket to keep the earth warm by both absorbing and emitting radiation. It warms the world to its pleasant average temperature of 57 degrees Fahrenheit (13.9 degrees Celsius). Without it, the world would resemble Mars more and be a frozen, uninhabitable place.

The issue is that the excessive burning of fossil fuels for energy by humans is unnaturally enhancing the greenhouse effect, which in turn, results in a rise in global warming that is drastically changing the planet's climate systems.

Correlation between human activities & the Concentration of atmospheric gases :

Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O )Fluorinated Gases, and water vapour (H2O) are the principal greenhouse gases. These gases are naturally present in the atmosphere, and over time, their concentrations have changed. However, human activities including the use of fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture have raised the atmospheric concentrations of these gases. Coal, oil, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels that emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when they are burned. While methane is produced in agriculture by cattle and rice fields, deforestation limits the quantity of vegetation that naturally absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

These gases are naturally present in the atmosphere, and over time, their concentrations have changed. However, human activities including the use of fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture have raised the atmospheric concentrations of these gases. Coal, oil, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels that emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when they are burned. While methane is produced in agriculture by cattle and rice fields, deforestation limits the quantity of vegetation that naturally absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Flurinated gases are man-made & there are four main categories viz.

hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),

perfluorocarbons (PFCs),

sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and

nitrogen trifluoride (NF3).

Results of the amplified greenhouse effect :

An increase in global temperatures as a result of the strengthened greenhouse effect has had a variety of effects on the world. These effects include changing precipitation patterns, shifting ecosystems, and increasing sea levels. They also include more frequent and severe weather occurrences. Since pre-industrial times, the Earth's temperature has already risen by around 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degreeseeee Fahrenheit), and future decades are expected to see greater increases.

The issue of climate change :

All around the world, the effects of climate change are already being felt. The melting of glaciers and ice caps, along with the warming seawater's expansion, are the two main causes of increasing sea levels. Increased flooding and erosion in coastal areas are the result of this. More frequent and severe weather occurrences like hurricanes, heatwaves, and droughts cause crop failures, wildfires, and other disasters. Water supply and agriculture are being impacted by changes in precipitation patterns in many areas. Additionally, the migration or extinction of species is being triggered by environmental changes, which is upsetting food webs and other ecological processes.

How to combat the issue of climate change

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions are crucial for combating the issue of climate change. By switching to more environmentally friendly energy sources, such as renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, this can be accomplished. Additionally, it can be accomplished by increasing energy efficiency, decreasing waste, and altering our consumption habits. Forests and other ecosystems can help to collect and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by being preserved and restored.

Through adaptation strategies, climate change can also be addressed. These include creating infrastructure, such sea walls and flood barriers, that can endure the effects of climate change. Along with conserving fragile species and habitats, they also entail adapting agricultural practises to deal with changes in precipitation patterns.

Human activities & their negative effects :

One of the main mechanisms that has enabled liwellfe to exist on Earth is the greenhouse effect. However, this process has been hampered by human activities, which have increased the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases. As a result, the greenhouse effect has been amplified, resulting in global climate change and a variety of negative effects on the globe. In order to solve this issue, we must cut back on greenhouse gas emissions and take action to prepare for impending changes. We can assure a sustainable future for present generations as as ourselves by doing this.