Greenhouse effect and global warming

Definition-The greenhouse effect is a process by which thermal radiation from a planetary surface is absorbed by atmospheric greenhouse gases, and is re-radiated in all directions. The existence of the greenhouse effect was argued for by Joseph Fourier in 1824. Earths natural greenhouse effect makes life as we know it possible. However, human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels and clearing of forests, have intensified the natural greenhouse effect, causing global warming. Process-the temperature on earth is livable due to greenhouse effect. When the suns radiation reaches the atmosphere of the earth, some of it is reflected back into space and the rest of it passes through and gets absorbed by the earth. This causes the surface of the earth to warm up. Heat from the earth is radiated back which is reflected by the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, this prevents the heat from escaping into space, making the earth warm and habitable to for life to sustain. Greenhouse gases-A greenhouse gas is a gas in an atmosphere that absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range. This process is the fundamental cause of the greenhouse effect. The primary greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere are water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. Causes of increase in the amount of greenhouse gases -since (1) the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from 280 ppm to 397 ppm (2) Deforestation is another cause for the increase in the amount of greenhouse gases, in the deficiency

of trees, there is lack of oxygen as well, resulting in an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide. (3) Methane is released from rice paddies and landfill sites. Methane is also a greenhouse gas. (4)Increased industrialization and vehicular emissions also increase the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Automobile exhausts and gases released by industries contain many greenhouse gases. An increase in the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere leads to trapping of more heat and an increase in the temperature of the earth. This is known as global warming. Definition- Global warming is the rise in the average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans since the late 19th century and its projected continuation. Since the early 20th century, Earth's mean surface temperature has increased by about 0.8 C with about two-thirds of the increase occurring since 1980. Effects-the effects of global warming are really detrimental. It results in (1) Rise in sea levels worldwide. If the Greenland ice sheet were to melt, it would raise the sea level by 7m (2) It results in many dangerous storms and cyclones. Scientists have come up with the firmest evidence so far that global warming will significantly increase the intensity of the most extreme storms worldwide. The maximum wind speeds of the strongest tropical cyclones have increased significantly since 1981.

(3) Global warming results in change of climatic pattern worldwide. According to recent research, there is a 90% chance that 3 billion people worldwide will have to choose between moving their families to milder climes and going hungry due to climate change within 100 years. (4) According to research published in Nature, by 2050, rising temperatures could lead to the extinction of more than a million species. And because we cant exist without a diverse population of species on Earth, this is scary news for humans. Climate change now represents at least as great a threat to the number of species surviving on Earth as habitat-destruction and modification. (5) Disappearance of coral reefs. A report on coral reefs from WWF says that in a worst case scenario, coral populations will collapse by 2100 due to increased temperatures and ocean acidification. The bleaching of corals from small but prolonged rises in sea temperature is a severe danger for ocean ecosystems, and many other species in the oceans rely on coral reefs for their survival. Prevention-(1) Reduce Energy Use The energy you use at home and work contributes to increased levels of carbon dioxide; usually, fossil fuels are burned to produce and transport the energy, releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. By reducing your energy use, you can reduce your personal carbon footprint. (2) Update Buying Habits. The way you shop and the products you buy can contribute to global warming: the materials' sourcing, manufacturing, transportation and disposal all have the potential to cause emissions and pollutants to be released into the air. The EPA recommends buying Energy Star-certified products, which are designed to be efficient and last longer. (3) Transportation. In particular, car travel is responsible for about 25 percent of energy use, and also puts chemicals and pollutants into the air. To reduce your emissions, change your driving habits. The easiest way to cut carbon emissions is to drive less: carpool to work, take public transportation, walk or ride a bike. (4) Stop Deforestation. Deforestation is a major contributor to global warming. When large expanses of forest are cut or burned, carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is released into the atmosphere. Because trees also take carbon dioxide from the air, cutting down large numbers of trees causes carbon dioxide levels to rise even further.