By ROSE CATHERINE LEANNE BIOG
Climate change is a result of a significant rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) levels in the atmosphere brought about by human activity. Rising sea levels, an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and risks to water and food security are the outcomes of this. Geopolitical and socioeconomic risks associated with climate change include population displacement, food shortages, and resource-related conflicts. To achieve goals to reduce emissions, change to renewable energy sources, and improve resilience to climate-related impacts, global cooperation is needed to address these problems. (Tyndall) discovered the greenhouse effect in 1859. In 1896, (Arrhenius) proposed a connection between fossil fuels and global warming; in 1938, (Callendar) presented evidence in support of this theory. The issue didn’t become popular until the 1970s, when environmental activism fueled it.
(Hansen) highlighted the urgency in his 1988 research. Research on greenhouse gases and climate change has increased dramatically since then.
Speaking of greenhouse gases, they are defined as gases in the earth’s atmosphere that trap heat. When the sun shines during the day, they warm the earth’s surface. When the earth’s surface cools down during the night, they release the heat back into the atmosphere. Yet, some of the heat is trapped by the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
The 7 main greenhouse gases are: carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous oxide (N2O), Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3). They are called greenhouse gases because they absorb infrared radiation from the sun in the form of heat, which is circulated in the atmosphere and eventually lost in space. Greenhouse gases are transparent to the radiation coming from the sun but do not allow infrared radiation from leaving the earth’s atmosphere. In this situation, the greenhouse effect traps radiation from the sun, making planet’s surface warm.
We could say that in reality, greenhouse gases are good, as without them, our planet would be too cold. But too much of everything is bad. Too much of these gases in the atmosphere create climate change that greatly affects human lives, as well as the flora and fauna.
So far, the four worst greenhouse gases are Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Nitrous Oxide and Fluorinated Gases. They are the most harmful to the planet and immediately cause climate change. They contribute to respiratory disease because of the smog and air pollution. These days, El Nino (too much dry weather) and La Nina (too much rain) are already ordinary occurrence. They disrupt food supply, increase wildfires and even create flashfloods and landslides.
Those are just some of the effects of climate change caused by greenhouse gases.
But, if we are to discuss it further the biggest causes of greenhouse gases are us humans. More than anyone else, we, ourselves are the ones responsible for almost all of the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere for the past 150 years. The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities is burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat and transportation. Perhaps, that’s the reason why many people are now pushing to use recyclable energies such as solar energy and wind energy in place of gasoline, methane and coal.
To reduce greenhouse gases, it is advised to use manual appliances instead of electric appliances. In such a way, there will be less pollution and we will be saving money as well.
It is also advised to reduce, reuse, and recycle things, and instead of using cars and motorcycles that use gasoline, why not use solar-powered ones?
Planting tree in your garden or having plants in pots will reduce carbon dioxide. It’s the cycle of life. Animals inhale oxygen emitted by plants, while plants need carbon dioxide discharged by humans and animals in order to survive.
Another way to help lessen greenhouse gases is to walk or ride your bicycle instead of using public transportation.
It’s good for your heart, and also good for your wallet.
To conclude, the greenhouse effect makes the earth much warmer these days due to climate change. In the form of heat, it consumes infrared radiation from the sun, which is lost to space after circulating in the atmosphere. The trees and plants take carbon dioxide, and in exchange, they release oxygen. Where there are plants, there must be animals or humans.
It’s a little late now to prevent global warming, but we can delay it, at least, if we stop burning fossil fuels – better if we avoid burning anything at all. Yes, it is important to prevent global warming because it will greatly affect the health of all living things, be it plants or animals.
While climate change can no longer be stopped at this point in time, let’s try to low it down a little. As students, we can be of help too, by trying to conserve energy and water and adopting a green diet.
Try to visualize what will happen if global warming is not prevented. Continued emissions of greenhouse gases will lead to more disaster – hurricanes, tidal waves, earthquakes, flashfloods, landslides to name a few.
Sure, humans, animals and plants can adapt to climate change, but why adapt if we can prevent?
