Without it, the rising heat would escape directly into space and Earth would be much colder.
Life Depends on The Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect keeps the Earth's average surface temperature at about 60°F (15°C). If there were no greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the planet's temperature would be 0°F (-18°C), too cold for most life. Most of the heat radiated from the Earth's surface would be lost directly to outer space.
Mars has a very thin atmosphere with a weak greenhouse effect. Its surface is much colder than Earth's. In fact, it is frozen.Venus has an intense greenhouse effect. Its atmosphere is thick with carbon dioxide and other gases that trap heat. The surface of Venus is much hotter than Earth's , hot enough to melt lead.
However too much greenhouse effect on Earth can be harmful to human life and poses a threat to existence of all life forms. In the following pages, we will go on the illustrate how destructive human activities have contributed to the intensifying of the greenhouse effect. Intensified greenhouse effect being the cause , will result in the worsening of global warming.
How We Are Altering The Earth's Atmosphere
Human activities are intensifying the natural greenhouse effect. Every year we release billions of tons of heat-trapping gases to the atmosphere. In doing so, we are setting the stage for a warmer Earth. Carbon dioxide: industry, transportation, and deforestation. Transportation is a source of carbon dioxide emissions. Industry is a major source of heat-trapping gases.
Methane: rice farming, cattle, landfills, fossil fuel production.
Nitrous oxide: fertilizers, sewage treatment plants
Fluorocarbons: refrigerants, other industrial product
Vin Iun 06, 2008 11:20 am
