CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE / GREENHOUSE EFFECT

GREENHOUSE EFFECT

Introduction 

The aim of this report is to explain what is the greenhouse effect, what are its positives and negatives effects, and how we can contribute to decrease the hight emission of gases to the atmosphere.

What is the Greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface. When the Sun’s energy reaches the Earth’s atmosphere, some of it is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases.

Greenhouse gases include water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone and some artificial chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

The absorbed energy warms the atmosphere and the surface of the Earth. This process maintains the Earth’s temperature at around 33 degrees Celsius warmer than it would otherwise be, allowing life on Earth to exist.

Greenhouse effect and human activities

The problem we now face is that human activities – particularly burning fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas), agriculture and land clearing – are increasing the concentrations of greenhouse gases. This is the enhanced greenhouse effect, which is contributing to warming of the Earth.

 A simplified animation of the greenhouse effect.

Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect

• Water vapor. Increases as the Earth's atmosphere warms, but so does the possibility of clouds and precipitation, making these some of the most important feedback mechanisms to the greenhouse effect.

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂). A minor but very important component of the atmosphere, carbon dioxide is released through natural processes such as respiration and volcano eruptions and through human activities such as deforestation, and burning fossil fuels. Humans have increased atmospheric CO₂ concentration by more than a third since the Industrial Revolution began. This is the most important long-lived "forcing" of climate change.

• Methane. A hydrocarbon gas produced both through natural sources and human activities, including the decomposition of wastes in landfills, agriculture, and especially rice cultivation, as well as ruminant digestion and manure management associated with domestic livestock. On a molecule-for-molecule basis, methane is a far more active greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, but also one which is much less abundant in the atmosphere.

• Nitrous oxide. A powerful greenhouse gas produced by soil cultivation practices, especially the use of commercial and organic fertilizers, fossil fuel combustion, nitric acid production, and biomass burning.

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Synthetic compounds entirely of industrial origin used in a number of applications, but now largely regulated in production and release to the atmosphere by international agreement for their ability to contribute to destruction of the ozone layer. They are also greenhouse gases.

Causes of the global warming

Positive effects

·               This phenomenon allows to regulate the temperature of the Earth without drastic variations, making it habitable. 

·                The retention of gases through the entry of solar rays, allows the 
          Earth to remain at an average temperature of around 15 °, so that it     would be impossible without their participation leaving almost impossible life in it with -40 ° on average.

·                Contribution of heat retention to the Earth for its correct 
       development.

Negative effects

   ·             Increase the average temperature of the Earth 0.2 degrees per decade (forecast)

   ·             Reduction in the surface of glaciers and, as a consequence, elevation of water levels in the seas and oceans

   ·             Possible floods of areas near the sea or islands

   ·             Affectation of the ecosystems by the change in the climate, with which plants and animals must adapt to a new situation

   ·             Reduction of water resources due to droughts and greater evaporation of water, certain fertile areas could become deserts

   ·             Negative impact on agriculture and livestock due to changes in rainfall

How to reduce the excess of gases

 1. When you go to buy electronics products make sure they are energy efficient.

 2. Use the water correctly. Do not leave the tap open while you shower or brush your teeth.
 3. Recycle everything you can.  Separate the garbage according to each type.

 4. If you have to print documents, do it on both sides.  You will reduce paper spending.

 5. Replace the incandescent bulbs by LED lights,

 6. Buy Fair Trade products, which will have been produced in environments that respect the environment.  

 7. Install devices that help you save energy. 

 8. If you can avoid it, do not buy packaged meat

 9.Get used to go shopping with your own reusable bags to consume less plastic.

 

Conclusion

The greenhouse effect is very positive, because without it we could not live on Earth, but if we increase it, it could be very dangerous for us, so we have to change this. All the inhabitants of this planet, we have to take measures to stop climate change and the emission of gases to the atmosphere. The big decisions, taken by the governments of the countries, are fundamental but we should all contribute as much as possible. 

Work made by: Ana Lizana, Julia Balderas, Nerea Contreras, Luis Hueso and Pablo Nieto, 

Alba Longa 3ESO A