GREEN HOUSE EFFECT / GLOBAL WARMING AND DEPLETION OF OZONE

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Greenhouse Effect Definition

“Greenhouse effect is the process by which radiations from the sun are
absorbed by the greenhouse gases and not reflected back into space. This
insulates the surface of the earth and prevents it from freezing.”

What is the Greenhouse Effect?

A greenhouse is a house made of glass that can be used to grow plants. The sun’s
radiations warm the plants and the air inside the greenhouse. The heat trapped
inside can’t escape out and warms the greenhouse which is essential for the growth
of the plants.

Same is the case in the earth’s atmosphere. During the day the sun heats up the
earth’s atmosphere. At night, when the earth cools down the heat is radiated back
into the atmosphere. During this process, the heat is absorbed by the greenhouse
gases in the earth’s atmosphere. This is what makes the surface of the earth
warmer, that makes the survival of living beings on earth possible.

However, due to the increased levels of greenhouse gases, the temperature of the
earth has increased considerably. This has led to several drastic effects.

Let us have a look at the greenhouse gases and the causes and consequences of
greenhouse effects.

Greenhouse Gases

“Greenhouse gases are the gases that absorb the infrared radiations and
create a greenhouse effect. For eg., carbondioxide and chlorofluorocarbons.”
Greenhouse Gases such as carbon dioxide is the primary cause for the Greenhouse
Effect

The major contributors to the greenhouses gases are factories,

automobiles, deforestation, etc. The increased number of factories and automobiles
increases the amount of these gases in the atmosphere. The greenhouse gases
never let the radiations to escape from the earth and increase the surface
temperature of the earth. This then leads to global warming.

Causes of Greenhouse Effect

The major causes of the greenhouse effect are:

Burning of Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels are an important part of our lives. They are widely used in transportation
and to produce electricity. Burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide. With the
increase in population, the utilization of fossil fuels has increased. This has led to an
increase in the release of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Deforestation

Plants and trees take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Due to the cutting of
trees, there is a considerable increase in the greenhouse gases which increases the
earth’s temperature.

Farming

Nitrous oxide used in fertilizers is one of the contributors to the greenhouse effect in
the atmosphere.

Industrial Waste and Landfills

The industries and factories produce harmful gases which are released in the
atmosphere.

Landfills also release carbon dioxide and methane that adds to the greenhouse
gases. 

Effects of Greenhouse Effect

The main effects of increased greenhouse gases are:

Global Warming

It is the phenomenon of a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s

atmosphere. The main cause for this environmental issue is the increased volumes
of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane released by the burning
of fossil fuels, emissions from the vehicles, industries and other human activities.

Depletion of  Ozone Layer

Ozone Layer protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. It is found
in the upper regions of the stratosphere. The depletion of the ozone layer results in
the entry of the harmful UV rays to the earth’s surface that might lead to skin cancer
and can also change the climate drastically.

The major cause of this phenomenon is the accumulation of natural greenhouse

gases including chlorofluorocarbons, carbon dioxide, methane, etc.

Smog and Air Pollution

Smog is formed by the combination of smoke and fog. It can be caused both by
natural means and man-made activities.
In general, smog is generally formed by the accumulation of more greenhouse gases
including nitrogen and sulphur oxides. The major contributors to the formation of
smog are the automobile and industrial emissions, agricultural fires, natural forest
fires and the reaction of these chemicals among themselves.

Acidification of Water Bodies

Increase in the total amount of greenhouse gases in the air has turned most of the
world’s water bodies acidic. The greenhouse gases mix with the rainwater and fall as
acid rain. This leads to the acidification of water bodies.

Also, the rainwater carries the contaminants along with it and falls into the river,
streams and lakes thereby causing their acidification

GLOBAL WARMING

Global warming is an aspect of climate change, referring to the long-term rise of the
planet's temperatures. It is caused by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases
in the atmosphere, mainly from human activities such as burning fossil
fuels, deforestation and farming.

1. Burning fossil fuels

When we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas to create electricity or power
our cars, we release CO2 pollution into the atmosphere.

All most all the countries are now big producers of CO2 pollution.

Electricity generation is the main cause of carbon pollution in world as 70% of

our electricity comes from burning coal and 16% from burning gas. The
remaining 14% comes from renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar and
wind, which do not emit carbon.

 
 

Solutions:

 Reducing the amount of electricity generated from coal and gas

 Increasing the amount of electricity from clean, renewable energy sources like
solar and wind

 Countries to join the movement for stronger action on climate change and get
the world back on track to meeting Paris Agreement targets. 

2. Deforestation & Tree-Clearing

Plants and trees play an important role in regulating the climate because they
absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen back into it. Forests and
bushland act as carbon sinks and are a valuable means of keeping global warming
to 1.5°C.

But humans clear vast areas of vegetation around the world for farming, urban and
infrastructure development or to sell tree products such as timber and palm oil.
When vegetation is removed or burnt, the stored carbon is released back into the
atmosphere as CO2, contributing to global warming.

Up to one-fifth of global greenhouse gas pollution comes from deforestation

and forest degradation.

Solutions:

 Prevent deforestation and tree-clearing

 Plant more trees through reforestation and afforestation

 Shop sustainably

 Call on our leaders to introduce stronger laws to stop excessive tree-clearing

3. Agriculture & Farming

Animals, particularly livestock like sheep and cattle, produce methane, a greenhouse
gas. When livestock are grazed at a large scale, as in Australia, the amount of
methane produced is a big contributor to global warming.

Some SYNTHETIC fertilisers that farmers use also release nitrous oxide, which is

another greenhouse gas

What is Ozone Layer Depletion?

Ozone (O₃) layer depletion refers to the process of thinning of ozone layer in the
stratosphere due to the presence of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) emitted
due to anthropogenic activities. The major ODS are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),
halons, carbon tetrachloride, methyl bromide, and methyl chloroform. CFCs are
mainly used as coolants in air conditioners and refrigerators, propellants in aerosol
cans and as in manufacture of insulation and packaging materials. Halons are used
in fire retardants, methyl bromide in pesticides and methyl chloroform and carbon
tetrachloride in industrial solvents. All these substances release either chlorine or
bromine and cause catalytic destruction of ozone in the stratosphere.

The chlorine that are released from the ODS cause the destruction of ozone
molecule in the presence of sunlight in a couple of chain reactions:

 Cl (Chlorine) + O₃ (Ozone) = ClO (Chlorine monoxide) + O₂ (Oxygen)

 ClO (Chlorine monoxide) + O (Oxygen) = Cl (Chlorine) + O₂ (Oxygen)

The chlorine released in the above process (2nd step) goes on to break another
molecule of ozone. Like this, one molecule of chlorine can destroy over 1,00,000
molecules of ozone over a period of 50 years.

Maximum ozone layer depletion (thinning of ozone layer) occurs in Antarctica

between September and November every year. Two important conditions favor the
ozone depletion during these seasons: (i) Presence of sunlight in the Polar Regions,
and (ii) Development of circumpolar vortex (mass of cold air around the southern
polar region). The presence of sunlight promotes the catalytic destruction of ozone
while the development of circumpolar vortex causes the water vapor in the
atmosphere to cool rapidly and form ice crystals. The ice crystals thus formed
adhere to each other to form ‘Polar Stratospheric Clouds’ that in turn provide a
platform for the chlorine and bromine to destroy ozone molecules. When the
circumpolar vortex breaks down after November, the ozone-depleted air spread to
the neighbouring regions of Australia, New Zealand and South America and starts
thinning the ozone layer out there.
Recognizing the disastrous consequences of using ODS, a worldwide agreement
was signed in 1987 in Montreal, popularly known as ‘Montreal Protocol’ to ban the
use of ODS globally, and CFCs. It was initially decided in the agreement that 50%
reduction in CFC production would be achieved by 1998 and would be replaced by
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Unlike CFCs,
HFCs and HCFCs do not destroy ozone molecules. The satellite measurements
revealed in 1997 that ODS had started declining in the atmosphere and ozone layer
has started recovering. In the absence of further use of ODS, the ozone layer is
slated to fully recover by 2050

EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING

1. Melting of Glaciers

The melting of glaciers will create a plethora of problems for humankind and the
animals living on the earth. Due to increased global warming, the level of the sea will
rise which will lead to flooding and this will, in turn, create havoc in human life. Apart
from raising the sea levels, it will also endanger several species of animals and thus
will hamper the balance of the ecosystem.

Areas in the Arctic are diminishing away and flowing into major oceans. Rising
temperatures create a much-accelerated threat to wildlife and whole ecosystems in
these regions. With glaciers melting at vast rates, a chain of events is being set into
motion that cannot be reversed.

2. Climate Change

Irregular weather patterns have already started showing results. Increased

precipitation in the form of rain has already been noticed in polar and sub-polar
regions. More global warming will lead to more evaporation which will cause more
rains. Animals and plants cannot easily adapt to increased rainfall. Plants may die
and animals may migrate to other areas, which can cause the entire ecosystem out
of balance.

3. Rise in Droughts

Large scale evaporation will be the major cause of droughts in many places
particularly Africa. Although it is reeling under the huge pressure of water crisis,
increased global warming would further make the situation worse and will cause
malnutrition.

4. Diseases

As the temperature becomes warmer, it can affect the health of humans and the
diseases they are exposed to. With the increase in the rainfall, water-borne diseases
are likely to spread like malaria. The earth will become warmer and as result heat
waves are likely to increase that can cause a major blow to the people.

5. Hurricanes Frequency

As the temperature of the oceans rises, hurricanes and other storms are likely to
become stronger. With the increase in global warming, the water in the ocean warms
up and it heats up the surrounding air, creating hurricanes.

6. The rise of Sea Levels

The melting of polar ice-caps and less water evaporating into the atmosphere are
causing increased sea levels. Quaint coastal towns and cities near the U.S. east
coast and Gulf of Mexico are just a few areas where devastating flood damage is
starting to make its mark in history.

7. Effect on Agriculture

Global warming can affect agriculture. Although the results are not visible yet, it may
show the effects in years to come. As the global temperature will increase, plants will
find it harder to survive and will die. Plants are the major source of food for human
beings and as a result food shortage may occur. The shortage of food may lead to
war and conflicts in some countries.

8. Unexpected Heat Waves

If you thought last summer’s headlines of record changing temperature was mind-
blowing, just wait. Because of greenhouse gases and other causes, unexpected
streaks of severe weather are just the tips of the iceberg in global warming. Heat
waves cause dangerously hot weather and in recent years, more deaths have
occurred due to heat waves than in the last sixty years.

9. Frequent Wildfires

While wildfires are a natural occurrence, with the added carbon dioxide in the air,
and hotter summers, the evidence speaks for itself. More frequent wildfires continue
to surface in vast amounts each year.

The rate at which they burn is longer than the last, and with the release of carbon
dioxide into the air, not only are people’s lives in danger, but wildlife severely suffers.
Each time a wildfire burns, the less oxygen there is to combat the dangerous
amounts of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.
10. Severe Precipitation

Not only is there insurmountable scientific evidence that global warming is

increasing, but certain types of events, including extreme precipitation, is also on the
rise. Global warming also creates conditions that can lead to more powerful
hurricanes and summer storms. Cities and towns on the coast, where sea levels are
already rising, face even more challenges as precipitation poses severe flooding.

11. Longer/Shorter Seasons

Are you a lover of fall? Maybe spring is your favorite season. Whatever weather and
climate you enjoy, it could be happening sooner and shorter, or later and
longer. Global warming affects show spring is occurring 10 days sooner than it has in
the past. While it may be nice to go from snow pants to shorts sooner, this could
cause flooding from reservoirs filling too soon, and droughts were there’s not enough
precipitation to provide adequate nourishment for crops.

12. Effect on Crops

If seasons are changing, weather patterns are going berserk, and flooding is
occurring due to rising sea levels, our crops are barely getting a fighting chance.
Once the food processing industry goes haywire, the economy will really start getting
interesting. The price of staple crops could skyrocket causing major inflation and
more economic woes.

13. The Rise in Ocean’s Temperature

It’s reported that coral reefs are continuing to see the diminished presence in the
ocean due to global warming. Temperature changes affect more than what’s
happening on our lands. Once coral reefs are affected, entire ecosystems that thrive
become obsolete.

14. Disruption to Food Chain

Change the time and seasons and birds are flying south for winter sooner,
hibernation takes longer, and a whole series of events is set in motion for a complete
collapse of animal life. The entire food chain could be disrupted and enormous
consequences could follow.

15. Health Risks

As more carbon dioxide is trapped in the atmosphere, breathable air becomes

harder to come by. If global warming continues, the countries are looking to
increased cost to combat respiratory diseases and symptoms.
16. Animal Extinction

Nature’s best is beautifully displayed in every nook of planet earth-the majestic lion,
to the humble deer. Imagine whole populations where animals can no longer thrive.
With such a vast eruption in the animal kingdom, our own world becomes in danger.

17. Quality of Life

If doing simple things like taking a walk outside or working in your garden, become
unenjoyable due to severe heat waves, think of the quality of life on a much larger
scale. With rising global temperature, even the smallest things we took for
granted will be sorely missed.

18. Economic Collapse

Who knows how bad the economy could get with decreased vitality of crops,
productions, and manufacturing items. Without having nature on our side, the food
industry will fall apart. Without the resources to feed the world, manufacturing will
collapse. Hunger will be our biggest battle.

19. Poor Air Quality

As more chain of events is set in motion, air quality will continue to get worse. As

bad as it is now in some areas in the world, multiply that by a million.

20. Decreased Population

If global warming goes unchecked, it’s estimated the world’s human

population would decrease by 75 percent. With the increasing severity of storms,
floods, earthquakes, and wildfires, natural disasters would diminish half of the earth’s
population. Another 25 percent would succumb to air-related illnesses, starvation,
and poverty.

21. Human Extinction

What little would remain of the earth as we know it, would be a sliver. The rest of the
human population would have to find and implement alternative energy on a
consistent and regulated basis. It’s hard to imagine, but each of these events affects
another event. Pretty soon, the domino effect will reach home. There’s plenty that
can be done to guarantee these effects won’t become earth’s ultimate fate

22. Going off the Grid

If you can’t stand to go without power during a thunderstorm, imagine our whole
electrical infrastructure going off the grid. With the current threat of increasing storms
and violent aftermaths of hurricanes and tropical storms, it would only take a few hits
to crumble our electrical system.

23. Diminishing Fresh Water Supply

Our fresh water supply will greatly diminish with global warming. With the demise of
coral reefs and the ecosystems therein, less fresh water will flow into lakes and
tributaries.

24. Disappearing Countries

Countries like Greenland are deteriorating at a highly elevated rate. Beautiful cities,
even continents could one day be part of a vast sea.