Greenhouse Effect

Key Notes :

1. What is the Greenhouse Effect?
   • The Greenhouse Effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface.
   • It’s called the “Greenhouse Effect” because it works like a greenhouse, trapping heat from the sun inside the Earth’s atmosphere.
2. How Does It Work?
   • Solar energy from the sun reaches the Earth’s surface as sunlight.
   • Some of this energy is absorbed by the Earth and warms it.
   • The Earth then emits heat energy in the form of infrared radiation.
3. Greenhouse Gases:
   • Certain gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, known as greenhouse gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor), trap some of this outgoing heat.
   • They act like a blanket around the Earth, preventing too much heat from escaping into space.
4. Natural vs. Enhanced Greenhouse Effect:
   • The natural greenhouse effect is essential for maintaining a stable temperature on Earth, making it habitable.
   • However, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, enhancing the greenhouse effect.
5. Consequences of Enhanced Greenhouse Effect:
   • Global Warming: Increased greenhouse gases lead to a rise in average global temperatures, known as global warming.
   • Climate Change: Global warming causes changes in weather patterns, leading to climate change, which can result in more extreme weather events.
6. Impact on Ecosystems and Sea Levels:
   • Altered temperatures and weather patterns can disrupt ecosystems, endangering plant and animal species.
   • Melting ice caps and glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, which can flood coastal areas.
7. Mitigation and Solutions:
   • To reduce the enhanced greenhouse effect, it’s important to decrease the emission of greenhouse gases.
   • This can be achieved through practices like reducing carbon emissions from cars and factories, using renewable energy sources, and conserving energy.
8. International Agreements:
   • Countries around the world have come together to address climate change through agreements like the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise.
9. Individual Action:
   • Even individuals can help by reducing their carbon footprint, such as using energy-efficient appliances, reducing waste, and using public transportation or carpooling.
10. Ongoing Research:
    • Scientists continue to study the Greenhouse Effect and its consequences to better understand and address climate change.

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