Greenhouse Gas Effect & Climate Change

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Introduction:

The greenhouse gas effect is a natural process where certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun, maintaining the planet's warm, habitable temperature. However, human activities, notably the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, have significantly increased concentrations of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. This enhanced greenhouse effect is causing the Earth's average temperature to rise, a phenomenon known as global warming.

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Causes of Global Warming:

Natural Causes of Greenhouse Gas Effect and Global Warming:

Volcanic Eruptions: While relatively small contributors compared to anthropogenic sources, volcanoes can release large quantities of greenhouse gases, such as CO2 and sulfur dioxide, into the atmosphere.
Release of Methane from Wetlands and Other Natural Processes: Natural processes in wetland ecosystems, the digestive processes of certain termites and ruminants, and the release of methane from hydrates in ocean sediments contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Changes in Solar Radiation: Variations in solar energy received by the Earth can influence our planet's climate. However, the current trend of global warming cannot be explained by solar changes alone, and the impact of increased greenhouse gas concentrations is much more significant.
Natural Carbon Dioxide Sources: Natural CO2 sources include respiration from plants and animals, decay of organic matter, wildfires, and release from the oceans.

Anthropogenic Causes of Greenhouse Gas Effect and Global Warming:

Burning of Fossil Fuels: The combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas for electricity, heat, and transportation is the largest single source of global greenhouse gas emissions. This process releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants into the atmosphere, enhancing the greenhouse effect.
Deforestation and Land Use Changes: Trees absorb CO2, reducing its concentration in the atmosphere. However, when forests are cut down for agriculture or logging and the wood is burned or decomposes, that stored CO2 is released back into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
Industrial Processes: Certain industries like cement production, steel making, and chemical production release significant amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse gases.
Waste Management: Organic waste in landfills decomposes to produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Inefficient waste treatment and disposal processes can thus contribute significantly to global warming.