Greenhouse Effect: Causes, Consequences and How It Affects Our Planet

The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that allows the Earth to maintain a temperature suitable for sustaining life. This process occurs when solar radiation reaches the earth's surface, warms it and is then re-emitted in the form of infrared radiation. However, certain gases in the atmosphere, known as greenhouse gases (GHGs), such as water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrogen oxides (NxOy) and ozone (O3), trap some of this infrared radiation and re-radiate it in all directions, including back towards the earth's surface.

This effect is essential for life, as without it, the average temperature of the planet would be about -18°C, too cold to sustain most life forms today2. However, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have increased the concentration of these GHGs in the atmosphere, intensifying the natural greenhouse effect and contributing to global warming.

It is important to differentiate the natural greenhouse effect, which is beneficial, from the anthropogenic increase in GHGs that is causing adverse global climate change.

sources

Juste, I. (2021, 7 January). Greenhouse effect: causes, consequences and solutions. EcologíaVerde. Retrieved from ecologiaverde.com.

keywords

greenhouse effect, global warming, global warming, greenhouse gases, climate change, environment

Comentarios

Entradas más populares de este blog

What is the decarbonised economy and why is it important?

The decarbonised economy is an economic model that seeks to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the atmosphere, which are the main cause of climate change and global warming. The aim of the decarbonised economy is to achieve climate neutrality, i.e. CO2 emissions equal to or less than nature's absorption capacity. To achieve a decarbonised economy, an energy transition is required, involving the use of renewable, clean and efficient energy sources to replace fossil fuels such as oil, coal or natural gas. It also requires a transformation of productive sectors, such as industry, transport, agriculture and construction, to adopt resource saving, efficiency and recycling measures. The decarbonised economy is an opportunity for sustainable development, innovation, competitiveness and job creation. It also contributes to improving health, quality of life and environmental protection. The European Union and several countries around the world have committed to achieving the decarbo...

What is the circular economy and why is it important?

The circular economy is an economic model that seeks to produce goods and services in a sustainable way, limiting the consumption and waste of natural resources and the generation of waste. In the circular economy, materials and energy are maximised, recycled and reintegrated into the production cycle, creating a circular flow that mimics the way nature works. The circular economy aims to reduce the environmental impact of production and consumption, improve the efficiency and competitiveness of businesses, create new employment and development opportunities, and foster innovation and social responsibility. The circular economy is based on the following principles: - Preserving and enhancing natural capital, controlling the use of finite resources and favouring the use of renewable resources. - Optimising the use of resources by designing products and processes that minimise the consumption of materials and energy and extend the useful life of goods. - Promoting the efficiency of syste...

Tips for living beyond 120 years: The recipe for longevity

Living to 120 years is a possibility that many scientists and researchers are exploring, but that very few people manage to achieve. According to some experts, longevity depends on several factors, such as genetics, place of birth, living conditions and healthy habits. Some of the tips that have been given to live longer are: - Follow hormone replacement therapy from the age of 40 onwards, to restore hormonal balance and slow down ageing. - Eat a balanced diet, avoid overeating, drink alcohol in moderation and control overweight, obesity and diabetes. - Take care of the microbiome, which is the set of micro-organisms that live in our body and influence our health. - Control stress, get enough sleep and avoid emotional conflicts. - Take regular physical exercise to keep the body and brain active. - Take advantage of advances in stem cell research, which can repair organ and tissue damage. - Knowing the human genome, to understand genetic predisposition to certain diseases and how ...

Planet Honest

Buscar este blog