Global climate change refers to the average long-term changes over the entire Earth. These include warming temperatures and changes in precipitation, as well as the effects of Earth's warming, such as: Rising sea levels. Shrinking mountain glaciers.
Climate Change
What does the “Greenhouse Effect” mean?
The greenhouse effect happens when gases in the Earth's atmosphere capture the heat of the Sun. The
Earth is substantially warmer because of this process than it would be if it didn't have an atmosphere. The
greenhouse effect is one of the factors that contribute to Earth's pleasant living conditions.
~ Our Earth is surrounded with a layer of a gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane.
~ These gases in the atmosphere allow light and heat from the sun to pass through them.
~ Due to this fact, the surface of the Earth and the sea heat up.
~ The greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb some of the heat radiated by the Earth.
~ Some heat reflected from Earth escapes back to space.
~ Without this layer of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere the Earth’s temperature would be 25°C cooler.
, a. Why is the amount of Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere increasing rapidly?
~ Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas
~ Deforestation
~ Emissions from vehicles and factories
The greenhouse gases that cause global climate change are
shown in this pie chart. Carbon Dioxide is the primary
greenhouse gas that causes global warming. Methane and
nitrogen dioxide are the other two greenhouse gases that
contribute to global warming. These gases are known as
greenhouse gases because they trap heat, resulting in a
stronger greenhouse effect.
The Greenhouse Gases Produced By Human Activity
Over these last years there was an increase in greenhouse gases generated by human activity. The main
culprit resulting in the increase in global temperatures is carbon dioxide. This is emitted in the atmosphere
when fossil fuels, that include oil, natural gas and coal are burnt in power stations to produce electricity.
Electricity is required to wash, heat, cool and light our houses. A lot of oil is also burnt for transport, mainly
by cars, aeroplanes, and ships.
Trees in forests are necessary and can give us a helping hand since these absorb some CO2 we generate. But
instead, we are cutting down trees with a rate of 10 million hectares a year. The cutting down and burning of
forests amount to another 20% of greenhouse gases, and we need to do our best so that deforestation is
controlled. Another greenhouse gas emitted in the atmosphere is methane released as an invisible gas from
landfills, and from the cultivation of rice.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller kirstybaldacchino. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $11.42. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
