OUTLINE

I. Introduction

II. major greenhouse

III. role of greenhouse gases (GHGs)

IV. The Enhanced Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming

V. Impacts of Greenhouse effect and Climate Change

VI. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

VII. Role of Individuals in Addressing Climate Change

VIII. Conclusion

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 INTRODUCTION

The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon essential for sustaining life on Earth,

wherein certain gases in the atmosphere, known as greenhouse gases (GHGs), trap heat

from the sun, creating a warming effect. When sunlight reaches the Earth's surface, some

of it is absorbed and re-radiated as infrared radiation (heat). Greenhouse gases, such as

carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), water vapor (H2O), nitrous oxide (N2O), and

ozone (O3), absorb and re-emit this infrared radiation, preventing it from escaping

directly back into space (Anderson et al., 2016).

The greenhouse effect occurs when greenhouse gases in a planet's atmosphere trap some

of the heat radiated from the planet's surface, raising its temperature. This process

happens because stars emit shortwave radiation that passes through greenhouse gases, but

planets emit longwave radiation that is partly absorbed by greenhouse gases. That

difference reduces the rate at which a planet can cool off in response to being warmed by

its host star. Adding to greenhouse gases further reduces the rate a planet emits radiation

to space, raising its average surface temperature (Kweku et al., 2018).

The Earth's average surface temperature would be about −18 °C (−0.4 °F) without the

greenhouse effect, compared to Earth's 20th century average of about 14 °C (57 °F), or a

more recent average of about 15 °C (59 °F).In addition to naturally present greenhouse

gases, burning of fossil fuels has increased amounts of carbon dioxide and methane in the

atmosphere.As a result, global warming of about 1.2 °C (2.2 °F) has occurred since the

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Industrial Revolution, with the global average surface temperature increasing at a rate of

0.18 °C (0.32 °F) per decade since 1981.

The wavelengths of radiation emitted by the Sun and Earth differ because their surface

temperatures are different. The Sun has a surface temperature of 5,500 °C (9,900 °F), so

it emits most of its energy as shortwave radiation in near-infrared and visible

wavelengths (as sunlight). In contrast, Earth's surface has a much lower temperature, so it

emits longwave radiation at mid- and far-infrared wavelengths (sometimes called thermal

radiation or radiated heat). A gas is a greenhouse gas if it absorbs longwave radiation.

Earth's atmosphere absorbs only 23% of incoming shortwave radiation, but absorbs 90%

of the longwave radiation emitted by the surface, thus accumulating energy and warming

the Earth's surface (El Zein & Chehayeb, 2015)

The existence of the greenhouse effect, while not named as such, was proposed as early

as 1824 by Joseph Fourier. The argument and the evidence were further strengthened by

Claude Pouillet in 1827 and 1838. In 1856 Eunice Newton Foote demonstrated that the

warming effect of the sun is greater for air with water vapour than for dry air, and the

effect is even greater with carbon dioxide. The term greenhouse was first applied to this

phenomenon by Nils Gustaf Ekholm in 1901.

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 MAJOR GREENHOUSE

1. Carbon Dioxide (CO2): CO2 is the most well-known greenhouse gas and is primarily

emitted through human activities such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas),

deforestation, and industrial processes.

2. Methane (CH4): Methane is emitted during the production and transport of coal, oil,

and natural gas. It also comes from livestock and other agricultural practices, as well as

from the decay of organic waste in municipal solid waste landfills.

3. Water Vapor (H2O): While water vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas, its

concentration in the atmosphere is largely influenced by temperature and other

greenhouse gas emissions. Human activities do not directly control water vapor levels,

but the warming caused by other greenhouse gases can lead to increased water vapor in

the atmosphere, amplifying the greenhouse effect.

4. Nitrous Oxide (N2O): N2O is emitted through agricultural and industrial activities, as

well as during combustion of fossil fuels and biomass. Agricultural practices, such as the

use of synthetic fertilizers and biomass burning, are significant sources of N2O

emissions.

5. Ozone (O3): Ozone in the Earth's atmosphere acts as both a greenhouse gas and a

protective layer against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Ozone near the

surface, however, is considered a pollutant and a greenhouse gas, formed by chemical

reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the

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presence of sunlight, which contribute to smog and respiratory problems (Janssens-

Maenhout et al., 2019).

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 ROLE OF GREENHOUSE GASES (GHGS)

1. Trapping Heat: GHGs such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide

(N2O), and water vapor absorb and trap heat in the atmosphere. When sunlight reaches

the Earth's surface, some of it is absorbed and warms the planet. The Earth then radiates

this heat back towards space in the form of infrared radiation. GHGs absorb some of this

outgoing infrared radiation and re-radiate it in all directions, including back towards the

Earth's surface. This process is known as the greenhouse effect, and it helps to keep the

Earth's surface warm enough to support life.

2. Regulating Temperature: By trapping heat, GHGs help to regulate the Earth's

temperature. Without them, the Earth would be much colder, making it difficult for life to

exist in many regions. However, an excess of GHGs can lead to an enhanced greenhouse

effect, resulting in global warming and climate change.

3. Natural Balance: GHGs are naturally present in the Earth's atmosphere, and their

concentrations have varied over geological time scales due to natural processes such as

volcanic activity, the carbon cycle, and changes in solar radiation. These variations have

played a role in shaping the Earth's climate over millions of years.

4. Human Activities: While GHGs are naturally occurring, human activities, such as

burning fossil fuels, deforestation, agriculture, and industrial processes, have significantly

increased the concentrations of these gases in the atmosphere since the Industrial

Revolution. This increase in GHGs, particularly CO2, has led to an intensification of the

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greenhouse effect and is the primary driver of anthropogenic (human-caused) climate

change.

5. Climate Change: The enhanced greenhouse effect resulting from human activities is

leading to global warming, changes in weather patterns, rising sea levels, and other

impacts on the Earth's climate system. These changes have far-reaching consequences for

ecosystems, biodiversity, agriculture, water resources, and human societies around the

world (Mac Kinnon et al., 2018).

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 THE ENHANCED GREENHOUSE EFFECT AND GLOBAL WARMING

1. Increased Heat Trapping: Human activities have significantly increased the

concentrations of GHGs in the atmosphere, especially CO2. These gases trap more heat

from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space. This trapped heat warms the

Earth's surface and lower atmosphere, leading to global warming.

2. Altered Energy Balance: The additional heat trapped by GHGs disrupts the Earth's

energy balance. More energy is being absorbed than radiated back into space, causing the

planet to warm up. This imbalance results in changes to climate patterns, such as shifts in

temperature, precipitation, and weather extremes (Manabe, 2019).

3. Feedback Mechanisms: Global warming can trigger various feedback mechanisms that

further amplify the warming effect. For example, as temperatures rise, polar ice caps and

glaciers melt, reducing the Earth's surface area that reflects sunlight back into space

(albedo effect). This leads to more heat absorption by the oceans and land surfaces,

further exacerbating warming. Additionally, thawing permafrost releases methane, a

potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere, creating a feedback loop of increased

warming.

4. Impacts on Climate Systems: Global warming affects various climate systems,

including ocean currents, atmospheric circulation patterns, and the distribution of heat

and moisture around the globe. These changes can result in more frequent and intense

weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, heavy rainfall, and storms, with significant

implications for ecosystems, agriculture, water resources, and human societies.

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5. Sea Level Rise: The thermal expansion of seawater and the melting of ice caps and

glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, posing threats to coastal communities,

infrastructure, and ecosystems (Yoro et al., 2020).

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 IMPACTS OF GREENHOUSE EFFECT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

1. Temperature Rise: The primary impact of the enhanced greenhouse effect is global

warming, leading to an increase in average global temperatures. This rise in temperature

affects weather patterns, ecosystems, and human health. Heatwaves become more

frequent and intense, posing risks to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and

those with pre-existing health conditions.

2. Changing Weather Patterns: Climate change alters weather patterns, leading to more

frequent and severe extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, floods, and

storms. These events can result in loss of life, displacement of populations, damage to

infrastructure, and disruption of agriculture and food production.

3. Melting Ice and Rising Sea Levels: The warming climate accelerates the melting of

polar ice caps, glaciers, and ice sheets, contributing to rising sea levels. Rising sea levels

threaten coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems, leading to increased coastal

erosion, saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, and loss of habitat for marine and

coastal species (Tian et al., 2016)

4. Ocean Acidification: Increased concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

lead to higher levels of CO2 being absorbed by the oceans, causing ocean acidification.

This acidification poses a significant threat to marine life, particularly organisms with

calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, such as corals, mollusks, and some plankton

species.

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5. Loss of Biodiversity: Climate change exacerbates habitat loss, fragmentation, and

degradation, leading to declines in biodiversity and species extinction. Ecosystems are

under stress from changing temperature and precipitation patterns, affecting their ability

to support diverse plant and animal life.

6. Impacts on Agriculture and Food Security: Changes in temperature, precipitation, and

weather patterns affect agricultural productivity and food security. Shifts in growing

seasons, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and the spread of pests and

diseases can reduce crop yields, disrupt food supply chains, and increase food prices,

exacerbating hunger and malnutrition, particularly in vulnerable regions.

7. Water Scarcity and Resource Conflicts: Climate change exacerbates water scarcity in

many regions due to changes in precipitation patterns, increased evaporation, and melting

glaciers. Competition for limited water resources can lead to conflicts between

communities, regions, and countries, exacerbating social tensions and instability.

8. Health Impacts: Climate change affects human health directly and indirectly through

various pathways, including heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems from air

pollution, waterborne diseases, food insecurity, and vector-borne diseases such as malaria

and dengue fever, which may spread to new regions as temperatures rise (Meinshausen et

al., 2020).

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 MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES

1. Mitigation:

 Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Mitigation efforts aim to reduce the

emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. This involves

transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric

power, improving energy efficiency in industries, buildings, and transportation,

and phasing out the use of fossil fuels.

 Afforestation and Reforestation: Planting trees and restoring forests can help

sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, acting as natural carbon sinks.

 Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): CCS technologies capture CO2 emissions

from industrial processes and power plants and store them underground or utilize

them in other applications, preventing their release into the atmosphere.

 Promoting Sustainable Practices: Encouraging sustainable agriculture, land use,

and waste management practices can reduce emissions and enhance carbon

sequestration in soils and ecosystems.

 International Agreements and Policies: International agreements such as the Paris

Agreement set targets for GHG emissions reductions and promote cooperation

among nations to mitigate climate change. National and regional policies,

regulations, and incentives are also crucial for driving mitigation efforts (Niles et

al., 2016).

2. Adaptation:

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 Building Resilience: Adaptation involves adjusting to the impacts of climate

change to minimize its adverse effects and build resilience in communities,

ecosystems, and infrastructure. This may include strengthening infrastructure

against extreme weather events, improving water management practices, and

enhancing coastal defenses to mitigate the impacts of sea-level rise.

 Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Developing drought-resistant crops, implementing

water-efficient irrigation systems, and promoting agroforestry practices can help

agriculture adapt to changing climate conditions.

 Ecosystem-Based Adaptation: Protecting and restoring natural ecosystems such as

wetlands, mangroves, and coral reefs can provide valuable ecosystem services,

such as flood protection, coastal stabilization, and habitat for biodiversity,

enhancing the resilience of both natural and human systems.

 Early Warning Systems and Disaster Preparedness: Establishing early warning

systems for extreme weather events, improving emergency response mechanisms,

and enhancing community preparedness can reduce the impacts of climate-related

disasters and save lives.

 Climate-Resilient Urban Planning: Designing cities and infrastructure to withstand

heatwaves, floods, and storms, incorporating green spaces, and implementing

sustainable urban drainage systems can enhance urban resilience to climate change

(Sharifi, 2021).

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 ROLE OF INDIVIDUALS IN ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE

1. Reducing Carbon Footprint: Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint by making

conscious choices to reduce energy consumption, conserve resources, and minimize

waste. This includes using energy-efficient appliances, reducing meat consumption,

driving less or using public transportation, biking, or walking, and reducing, reusing, and

recycling materials.

2. Switching to Renewable Energy: Individuals can support the transition to renewable

energy sources by installing solar panels on their homes, purchasing green energy from

renewable sources, and advocating for policies that promote clean energy development

and investment.

3. Supporting Sustainable Practices: Choosing products and services from companies that

prioritize sustainability and ethical practices can encourage businesses to adopt more

environmentally friendly practices. Supporting local and sustainable agriculture,

purchasing eco-friendly products, and reducing single-use plastics are examples of

actions individuals can take to promote sustainability (Pelling et al., 2015).

4. Advocacy and Education: Individuals can raise awareness about climate change and

advocate for policy changes at the local, national, and international levels. This includes

participating in community initiatives, contacting elected officials, supporting

environmental organizations, and educating others about the importance of climate

action.

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5. Adapting to Climate Change: Individuals can also take steps to adapt to the impacts of

climate change, such as preparing for extreme weather events, conserving water

resources, and supporting initiatives that promote resilience in vulnerable communities.

6. Changing Consumer Behavior: By making informed choices about what they buy and

how they consume goods and services, individuals can influence market demand and

encourage businesses to adopt more sustainable and climate-friendly practices. This

includes supporting companies that prioritize environmental stewardship and avoiding

products with high carbon footprints or environmental impacts.

7. Participating in Carbon Offsetting: Individuals can offset their carbon emissions by

investing in carbon offset projects that reduce or sequester greenhouse gases, such as

reforestation projects, renewable energy initiatives, or methane capture programs.

8. Engaging in Sustainable Living Practices: Practicing sustainable living habits, such as

composting organic waste, conserving water and energy, gardening, and reducing air

travel, can contribute to reducing environmental impact and promoting a more

sustainable lifestyle (Ostrom, 2017).

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 CONCLUSION

The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon essential for maintaining Earth's

temperature within a habitable range. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide,

methane, and water vapor, play a crucial role in trapping heat in the atmosphere, thus

warming the planet. However, human activities have significantly intensified this effect

by releasing excessive amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, primarily

through the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.

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