Environmental impact—global warming

Environmental Impact—Global Warming

Greenhouse Gases and the Greenhouse Effect

  • The greenhouse effect is a natural and vital process that occurs when gases in Earth’s atmosphere trap heat from the Sun, keeping Earth warm enough to support life.
  • Certain gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), are particularly efficient at trapping heat and are therefore known as greenhouse gases.
  • The problem occurs when human activities increase the concentration of these greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which enhances the greenhouse effect and causes the Earth’s average temperature to rise—a phenomenon known as global warming.

Human Activities Contributing to Global Warming

  • The burning of fossil fuels (oil, coal, and natural gas) for energy and transportation is the primary source of human-produced CO2 emissions.
  • Deforestation also contributes to CO2 levels, as trees absorb CO2 as they grow. When they are cut down or burnt, they release the CO2 back into the atmosphere.
  • Agriculture is the most significant source of methane (CH4), particularly from activities like rice farming and cattle rearing.
  • Industrial processes, vehicle emissions, and agricultural activities release significant amounts of nitrous oxide (N2O).

Effects of Global Warming

  • Global warming leads to climate change, causing shifts in weather patterns, more intense and frequent storms, heatwaves, droughts, and rising sea levels.
  • Higher temperatures can disrupt ecosystem balances, leading to species extinction.
  • Rising sea levels can inundate coastal areas, leading to displacement of human populations and loss of arable land.
  • Climatic changes can harm agricultural productivity, leading to food insecurity.

Mitigation Strategies

  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is key to mitigating global warming. This can be achieved by increasing energy efficiency, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and switching to sustainable energy sources like wind, solar, and nuclear power.
  • Efforts to reduce deforestation and promote reforestation (planting trees to absorb CO2) can also help control greenhouse gas levels.
  • Carbon sequestration involves capturing and storing CO2 before it is released into the atmosphere.
  • Changes in agricultural practices can help reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions.