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Understanding the Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon where gases like carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun, warming the planet. This effect allows life to exist on Earth by keeping temperatures stable. However, excess greenhouse gases from human activities like burning fossil fuels are enhancing the greenhouse effect and increasing global temperatures. If not addressed, the consequences of climate change include more extreme weather, flooding, wildfires, and rising sea levels.

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Aldo S. Ariza
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38 views2 pages

Understanding the Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon where gases like carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun, warming the planet. This effect allows life to exist on Earth by keeping temperatures stable. However, excess greenhouse gases from human activities like burning fossil fuels are enhancing the greenhouse effect and increasing global temperatures. If not addressed, the consequences of climate change include more extreme weather, flooding, wildfires, and rising sea levels.

Uploaded by

Aldo S. Ariza
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

greenhouse effect

The greenhouse effect is a phenomenon that consists of an increase in the


temperature of the planet causing by the action of a group of gases, some of them
produced by man in the majority, which absorb infrared radiation, causing the
warming the surface of the earth.
This phenomenon is natural and allows to regulate the temperature of the Earth
without this phenomenon there would not be life on earth.
How does this phenomenon happen?
First, solar radiation enters the atmosphere of the earth. Then the solar energy is
absorbed by the surface of the earth heating it and finally solar energy is returned
to space, but a small amount of solar radiation is retained by the greenhouse
gases, keeping the temperature of the earth constant. but if there is an excess of
these gases there will be a greater retention of solar radiation causing an increase
in temperature.
What are the greenhouse gases?
Greenhouse gases are atmospheric gases that absorb and emit solar radiation.
These gases are:
Water vapor (H2O): Water vapor is the natural gas that is most present in the
natural greenhouse effect, this gas depends on the natural evaporation of water
due to the temperature
Carbon dioxide (CO2): Carbon dioxide can be formed by natural sources
(respiration, decomposition of organic matter, natural forest fires), as well as by
anthropogenic sources (burning of fossil fuels, changes in land use (mainly
deforestation), biomass burning, industrial activities , etc.
Methane (CH4): Methane is a colorless gas and it is produced from the
decomposition of organic waste, natural sources, fossil fuel extraction, and
agricultural and human activities
Nitrogen oxides (NOx): The oxides of nitrogen (NOX). These gases are emiting
into the air by combustion of motorcycles (especially diesel), the combustion of
coal, oil or natural gas, and during processes such as welding, electroplating,
dynamite detonation.
Ozone (O3): ozone is forming from the burning of nitrogen oxides and
hydrocarbons, ozone is present in the stratosphere forming the ozone layer, which
protects us from ultraviolet radiation. But if ozone is in the troposphere, it can
cause damage to humans and vegetation .
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC): CFCs are derivatives of hydrocarbons and are used as
coolants, extinguishing agents and in aerosols. These derivatives generate the
destruction of the ozone layer causing the entry of ultraviolet radiation.
What are the consequences of the greenhouse effect?

 The increase of droughts in some zones and floods in others.


 Negative impact on agriculture and livestock due to changes in rainfall
 Higher frequency of hurricane formation.
 Destruction of ecosystems
 The melting of the polar ice caps generating an increase in the sea level

What can we do to reduce the greenhouse effect?


Use more public transport, cycling or walking instead of using private cars
Modify the vehicle engine to reduce combustion emissions
Use and innovate sources of renewable energy for example solar energy, wind
energy, hydraulic energy
We don`t burn garbage
Recycle glass, cardboard and plastic products.
(apply the three Rs, reduce, recycle and reuse)
Plant more trees in cities since trees absorb CO2 and produce oxygen for the
environment

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