Greenhouse effect and global warming Flashcards
What do greenhouse gases do on earth
maintain temperatures high enough to support life
How does the greenhouse effect work
1) Short wavelength (UV) radiation enters and passes through the earth’s atmosphere to the surface
2) The earth absorbs the short w.l radiation
3) the earth re emits longer wavelength (infrared) radiation
4) the greenhouse gases absorb the outgoing long wavelength radiation from the earth, causing an increase in temperature
what is the greenhouse effect described as
a natural phenomena. without it, the earth would be too cold for us to exist
factors causing an increase in g.h gases
carbon dioxide: combustion of fossil fuels and deforestation
methane: more animal farming - digestion, waste and decomposition
decomposition of rubbish in landfill sights
what does the increase in the percentage in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere correlate to?
the use of fossil fuels over the last 100 years
potential effects of climate change
-sea levels rise which can cause flooding and increased coastal erosion
-more frequent and severe storms
-changes in amount, timing and distribution of rainfall
-temperature and water stress for humans and wildlife
-changes in food producing capacity of some regions
-changes to the ditribution of wildlife species
what is a carbon footprint
the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product, service or event
ways to reduce carbon footprint
-increased use of alternative energy sources
-energy conservation
-carbon capture and storage
-carbon neutrality
-planting trees: carbon off-setting
problems with reducing carbon footprint
-lack of public info and education
-lifestyle changes (people might not want to give up their cars)
-economic considerations: it will cost $$
-scientifc disagreements
-incomplete international co-operation
complete combustion meaning
when hydrocarbons are burned when there is a plentiful oxygen supply
