You might have been taught about global warming and greenhouse effect in the school or college. But now, you’re unable to define exactly ’what is greenhouse effect’ and what causes global warming. No fuss, we’ll let you know all about it, making you aware of how it could affect our lives and planet.
When sunlight reaches to our planet by passing through the atmosphere, it radiates back toward space. While going back to the space, it gets trapped by the greenhouse gases, which are getting higher with the growing pollution. After being absorbed by the greenhouse gases, the heat radiates in all direction, making our environment more warm.
Almost all the scientists have agreed that the major cause of rise in temperature is human expansion of greenhouse gasses. The higher the concentration of greenhouse gasses, the greater will be global warming.
Below are the gases causing greenhouse effect combine:
That’s probably one of the most common gas contributing greenhouse effect. Water vapor increases when temperature rises, making clouds and precipitation. So, water vapor plays a vital role in greenhouse effect.
Hydrogen gas comes from both human activities and natural sources, including agriculture, rice cultivation and decomposition of waste materials in landfills. Methane is more active than carbon dioxide.
Being one of the important components of the Atmosphere, carbon dioxide is produced through Natural Processes such as Volcano Eruptions, Respiration and through human actions such as Deforestation, burning Fossil Fuels and Land Use Changes. We humans have bumped up atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration by three times since the beginning of industrial revolution.
One of the powerful greenhouse gasses released through soil cultivation activities. The major reasons giving rise to nitrous oxide production are – fossil fuel combustion, use of commercial & organic fertilizers, biomass burning, and Nitric Acid production.
Usually known under its abbreviation CFCs, the chlorofluorocarbons are also greenhouse gases used in a variety of industrial applications. CFCs have no natural source and are synthesized for different uses like aerosol propellants, refrigerants and cleaning solvents. From their creation in 1928, the concentrations of chlorofluorocarbons have increased a lot drastically.
Ways to Reduce Greenhouse Gases
It’s in our hand that we could help save our plant from turning into the worst place to live in. We can do it by bringing some changes in our behavior.
Recycle, Reduce, Reuse
Always prefer to buy products with less wrapping or packing because doing so will help you reduce waste. If you somehow manage to reduce your household waste by half, you could save around 2,400 pounds of CO2 annually.
Use Less Heat & Air Conditioning
If you live an area where outside temperature is bearable, there’s no need to use Air conditioner all the time. You could also consider insulating your walls and installing weather caulking and stripping around windows and doors to lower heating costs by 25%. Always turn down the heat before going to sleep or in the night and keep temperature at moderate levels.
Be Less Reliant On Your Vehicle
If your workplace or college is nearby, there’s no need to go on car. Apart from saving gasoline, this would also help you remain fit and healthy. If this seems impossible, try to drive at moderate speed. Not only does it help save money, but also saves 20 pounds of C02.
Switch to Compact Florescent Light Bulbs
Replacing your light bulbs with compact florescent light bulbs could also help save energy. CFLs not only last longer, but also save energy quite amazingly. They produce less heat compared to those incandescent bulbs.
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