GREENHOUSE EFFECT

 GREENHOUSE EFFECT

·       Greenhouse Effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface. When the Sun’s energy reaches the Earth’s atmosphere, some of it is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by Greenhouse gases.

·       The Green house effect is the chief cause of climate change which in turn is the primary factor responsible for climate change.

GREENHOUSE GASES

·       Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere.

·       Greenhouse gases can be naturally occurring or human-produced.

Major Greenhouse Gases

1)    Carbon-di-oxide

2)    Methane

3)    Ozone  

4)    Water vapour

Other Greenhouse Gases

1)    Nitrous oxide

2)    Hydrofluorocarbons

3)    Perflurocarbons

4)    Sulfur Hecafluoride

5)    Chlorofluorocarbons  

SOURCES OF GREENHOUSE GASES

1)    Carbon-di-oxide

·       Deforestation

·       Microbial, Plant and Animal Respiration

·       Volcanic eruptions

·       Burning of fossil fuels including coal, oil and gas in power plants, automobiles and industry.

2)    Methane

·       Anaerobic digestion

·       Agriculture

·       Landfills

·       Livestock farming

·       Burning of Fossil fuels

·       Coal mines

·       Oil and Natural gas operations

3)    Nitrous oxide

·       Use of Nitrogen fertilizers

·       Nitrification

·       Denitrification

·       Livestock manures

·       Human sewage

·       Burning of Fossil fuels

·       Industrial and Waste management process

4)    Chlorofluorocarbons , Hydrofluorocarbons, Perflurocarbons and Sulfur Hecafluoride

·       By-products of Industries

·       Refrigerator

·       Air conditioner

·       Foams

·       Aerosols

ADVANTAGES OF GREENHOUSE EFFECT

1)    The greenhouse effect maintains a manageable temperature on the earth’s surface and makes it habitable for humans, plants and animals.

2)    The greenhouse gases act as a filter. Unwanted solar energy is sent back to space.

·       Ozone absorbs the harmful Ultraviolet rays of the sun.

·       Carbon dioxide and other gases absorb the longer wavelength radiation.

Without these greenhouse gases acting as filter, all harmful rays would have been radiated back to the earth’s surface.

3)    Solar powered water heaters use the Greenhouse effect to heat water. This contributes to energy saving and can save up to 20 - 30 percent of the domestic energy bill.

4)    The Greenhouse effect may increase the ability of plants to resist Drought.

5)    The Greenhouse can be used to grow seasonal plants artificially in non-seasonal months.

DISADVANTAGES OF GREENHOUSE EFFECT

1)    Global warming

The increasing amount of Greenhouse gases is causing a gradual rise in the earth’s temperature. As a result, the ice in the Polar Regions has started melting and resulting in massive climate changes.

2)    Increased level of Carbon-di-oxide

The concentration of CO₂, which is one of the common Greenhouse gases, is not only affecting the marine lives but are also disrupting the Photosynthesis process of plants.

3)    Rising Water levels

Because of the Greenhouse effect and Global warming the water levels are rising and polar caps are threatening to melt, putting millions of lives in danger.

4)    Loss of Flora and Fauna

The rapid increase in rise of temperature owing to Greenhouse gases is called as Global Warming. With Climate change caused by Greenhouse emissions induced Global warming, there are increasing chances of floods, droughts, and destruction of natural habitats, risking entire biotic life.

 

5)    Season may be unpredictable

6)    Death due to increase in Temperature

Disease spreading due to high Temperature in Tropical region (Example – Malaria)