THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT

The greenhouse effect is an effect in the atmosphere as a result of the presence of certain gasses called greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are similar to the glass panes of a greenhouse which trap the heat and warm the greenhouse. Carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons(CFCs),methane, nitrous oxide and low level ozone and water vapour make up greenhouse gases.

WHAT IS A GREENHOUSE?

A greenhouse is used to grow vegetables and plants in temperate climates especially during winter. A greenhouse is designed to trap solar energy. Sunlight penetrates the glass roof of a greenhouse to warm the soil. However, the heat given out by the soil cannot pass through the glass, so it remains inside to warm the air. The heat from the sun is trapped inside the greenhouse and this keeps the plants warm throughout winter.

HOW DOES IT HAPPEN

Combustion of fossil fuels(coal, petroleum and natural gas) and other human activities such as deforestation and industrial production are the primary reasons of atmospheric carbon dioxide. As the concentration of greenhouse gases rises ,the greenhouse effect becomes more pronounced, trapping more heat in the atmosphere and raising the average temperature on earth. Overall rise in the average temperature of the atmosphere is known as global warming.(the increase in atmospheric temperature has been high enough to cause changes in the global climate.)

THE EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING(GW)

SPREAD OF DISEASES
Warmer climates-pests &vectors spread to new area(malaria and dengue fever)

OCCURRENCE OF FLOODS
As the temperature rises, polar ice caps and glaciers melt. Rise in sea levels causes low-lying areas to be flooded.

OCCURRENCE OF DROUGHT
GW increases frequency of drought. Land becomes dry and infertile

CLIMATE CHANGES
GW leads to changes in wind direction &distribution of rainfall.(agriculture activities affected) GW causes weather pattern to change.(affects distribution of species which may lead to extinction of species in certain regions)

SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL WARMING

Reduce the burning of fossil fuels to conserve energy. Develop alternative sources of energy such as wind, solar and geothermal energy. Reduce deforestation for farming. Replant trees which have been cut down.