Greenhouse Effect

Created by

Fearsnort Shadowchew

Cards (13)

The global climate is now changing due to human activities and we are uncertain about the future
Greenhouse effect 
A natural process which keeps the Earth warm. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere act as a blanket and trap solar radiation that is being radiated back out to space from Earth. Without this the Earth would be 16 ℃ cooler
Enhanced greenhouse effect 
Human activity has increased the amount of greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere. This means the Earth absorbs more solar radiation and as a result is becoming warmer
Greenhouse gases 
CO2
Methane
NO2
CFCs
Human activities contributing to greenhouse gases 
Energy
Industry
Urban growth
Transport
Farming
Energy 
The demand for energy is increasing as the population increases, standard of living improves, technology improves and people become more affluent. Fossil fuels have dominated energy production
Industry 
In many emerging economies, as disposable income increases, so does the demand for products from consumers leading to industrial growth. This leads to more fossil fuels being used
Urban growth 
Has contributed to deforestation, which releases Co2 into the atmosphere
Transport 
As cars are becoming more affordable more people are buying and using them. As well as this, flights are now cheaper so people fly more. All modes of transport rely on fossil fuels at present
Farming 
As the population has grown, the need for food has increased leading to more intensive agricultural practices that require machinery. Methane is produced in intensive rice farming, as well as cattle production. NO2 is produced from fertiliser production
Climatologists estimate that by 2100: Temps will rise by 1.1 ℃ – 6.4 ℃, Sea levels will rise by between 30cm – 1 metre
A 'best guess' might be a warming of 3.5 ℃ and a sea level rise of 40cm by 2100
Potential impacts of climate change 
Frequent floods
Droughts
Heatwaves
Stronger storms and hurricanes
Climate refugees