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Detailed Report on
Greenhouse Effect
ubmitted as CA2 in
Subject Name (Subject
Code)
for
the partial fulfillment of
B. Tech in
Mechanical Engineering
ubmitted as CA2 in
Subject Name (Subject
Code)
for
the partial fulfillment of
B. Tech in
Mechanical Engineering
Submitted as CA2 in
Environmental Science
(MC401)
for
the partial fulfilment of
B. Tech in
Computer Science and Engineering (AI & ML)
Submitted by:
Eshika Giri
(34230822009)
Submitted on: 10th of March, 2024
Abstract
The greenhouse effect is a big deal for the environment, affecting the climate and how
ecosystems work. This report explores what the greenhouse effect is all about, covering what
it is, how it works, what causes it, what it does, and how we can deal with it. Understanding
the greenhouse effect is super important for tackling the growing problems caused by climate
change and for taking care of our planet in a smart way.
Introduction
The greenhouse effect, a natural regulatory mechanism, stands as a cornerstone of Earth's
climatic equilibrium. However, human-induced alterations to this delicate balance have
accelerated its impact, precipitating far-reaching consequences for the planet's ecological
integrity. This report endeavors to unravel the complexities surrounding the greenhouse
effect, elucidating its mechanisms, driving forces, manifestations, and avenues for
intervention.
What is the Greenhouse Effect?
A greenhouse is a house made of glass that can be used to grow plants. The sun’s radiations
warm the plants and the air inside the greenhouse. The heat trapped inside can’t escape out
and warms the greenhouse which is essential for the growth of the plants. Same is the case in
the earth’s atmosphere.
During the day the sun heats up the earth’s atmosphere. At night, when the earth cools down
the heat is radiated back into the atmosphere. During this process, the heat is absorbed by the
greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere. This is what makes the surface of the earth
warmer, that makes the survival of living beings on earth possible.
Greenhouse Gases
The roster of greenhouse gases encompasses carbon
dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and
fluorinated gases, among others. Anthropogenic activities,
including fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and
industrial processes, are paramount contributors to the
burgeoning concentrations of these gases.
Greenhouse gases can further be divided into 2 types:
Direct Greenhouse Gases: Gases that directly
absorb the rays are known as direct greenhouse
Greenhouse Gases
gases. Examples: Ozone, Carbon dioxide.
Indirect Greenhouse Gases: They are not capable to absorb rays on their own, but they
form those gases that absorb the rays, such gases known as indirect greenhouse gases.
Example: Methane, Carbon monoxide.
Mechanism of the Greenhouse Effect
The modus operandi of the greenhouse effect entails a cyclic interplay of solar radiation and
atmospheric gases:
When the radiation from the sun falls on the earth, the earth absorbs that radiation
which increases the temperature of the earth.
Due to the increase in the temperature of the earth, the earth starts emitting those
radiations with low intensity.
The greenhouse gases trap these low-intensity radiations and increase the temperature
of the earth.
Causes of Greenhouse Effect
The major causes of the greenhouse effect are:
Burning of Fossil Fuels:
Fossil fuels are an important part of our lives. They are widely used in transportation
and to produce electricity. Burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide. With the
increase in population, the utilization of fossil fuels has increased. This has led to an
increase in the release of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.’
Deforestation:
Plants and trees take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Due to the cutting of trees,
there is a considerable increase in the greenhouse gases which increases the earth’s
temperature.
Farming:
Nitrous oxide used in fertilizers is one of the contributors to the greenhouse effect in
the atmosphere.
Industrial Waste and Landfills:
The industries and factories produce harmful gases which are released in the
atmosphere.
Landfills also release carbon dioxide and methane that adds to the greenhouse gases.
Effects of Greenhouse Effect:
Increase in temperature, which causes the greenhouse effect. Some are the effect
causes due to the greenhouse effect:
Global Warming:
It is the progressive rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere. The
fundamental source of this environmental issue is the growing amount of greenhouse
gases such as carbon dioxide and methane emitted by the combustion of fossil fuels,
as well as emissions from vehicles, factories, and other human activities.
Depletion of the Ozone Layer:
The ozone layer shields the Earth from the sun’s damaging UV rays. It can be found
at higher heights of the stratosphere. The depletion of the ozone layer allows harmful
UV radiation to reach the earth’s surface, potentially causing skin cancer and
catastrophic climate change. The fundamental cause of this phenomenon is the
accumulation of natural greenhouse gases such as chlorofluorocarbons, carbon
dioxide, and methane, among others.
Smog and Air Pollution:
Smoke and fog mix to create smog. It could be caused by both natural and man-made
factors. Smog is caused by the accumulation of additional greenhouse gases such as
nitrogen and sulfur oxides. Smog is caused by automobile and industrial emissions,
agricultural fires, natural forest
Acidification of Water Bodies:
Most of the world’s water bodies have become acidic as the total amount of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has grown. When greenhouse gases and
precipitation combine, acid rain is created. Water bodies become corrosive as a result.
Precipitation also transports toxins to rivers, streams, and lakes, resulting in
acidification.
Climate Change Due to Global Warming:
Climate scientists agree that the global temperature has risen significantly during the
last century. If Global Warming continues unabated, it will have far-reaching
consequences. The rise in sea and ocean levels will be one of the most significant
repercussions of global warming. This is already happening all around us. The
melting of glaciers and polar ice caps will lead to global water levels rising. Aside
from that, freshwater resources will be depleted.
Runway Greenhouse Effect:
This phenomenon occurs when the planet absorbs more radiation than it can radiate
back. Thus, the heat lost from the earth’s surface is less and the temperature of the
planet keeps rising.
How to Prevent Greenhouse effect
Fighting the harmful effects of the greenhouse effect requires a mix of strategies, such as:
Reduce Carbon Emissions:
The most effective way to prevent the greenhouse effect is to reduce carbon
emissions. This can be achieved by using renewable energy sources, such as wind,
solar, and hydro power, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, promoting energy
efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices.
Promote Afforestation:
Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen, making
afforestation a crucial measure for reducing greenhouse gas concentrations.
Promoting afforestation, especially in urban areas, can also help to reduce air
pollution and enhance the quality of life.
Reduce Waste:
Landfills are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing waste can help to
reduce the amount of methane produced in landfills. This can be achieved by
reducing, reusing, and recycling waste materials.
Adopt Sustainable Agricultural Practices:
Agriculture is another major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Adopting
sustainable agricultural practices, such as reducing fertilizer use, promoting organic
farming, and adopting water conservation techniques, can help to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions from agriculture.
Promote Sustainable Transportation:
Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Promoting sustainable
transportation, such as public transportation, carpooling, cycling, and walking, can
help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.
Conclusion
The greenhouse effect, while integral to Earth's climatic homeostasis, has been perturbed by
human activities, precipitating a cascade of climatic upheavals. Redressing this ecological
imbalance mandates concerted global endeavours, spanning emission curtailment, adaptation
initiatives, and sustainable development paradigms. By embracing proactive interventions,
we can mitigate the adverse repercussions of the greenhouse effect, fortifying the resilience
of our planet and charting a course towards a sustainable future.
Reference
For the successful completion of this report, insights and information were gathered from the
following sources:
https://byjus.com/biology/greenhouse-effect-gases/
https://world101.cfr.org/global-era-issues/climate-change/greenhouse-effect
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/what-is-the-greenhouse-effect/
https://www.lenntech.com/greenhouse-effect/greenhouse-effect-mechanism.htm
