The greenhouse effect of global warming occurs when excess greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth’s lower atmosphere, causing the planet to become hotter. Humans contribute to this effect by emitting carbon dioxide through burning fossil fuels and deforestation. The greenhouse effect can cause climate change, affect crop growth, and lead to rising sea levels and changes in ecosystems.
The greenhouse effect of global warming occurs when excess gases, known as greenhouse gases, become trapped in the earth’s lower atmosphere, preventing heat from escaping into space. Greenhouse gases allow light in but block heat from escaping, similar to the design of a greenhouse. The more greenhouse gases left in the atmosphere, the more heat remains in the atmosphere. Over time, this greenhouse effect of global warming makes the planet hotter.
One of the most prevalent greenhouse gases is water vapor, along with carbon dioxide and other trace gases. The Earth has a natural greenhouse effect, and without it, the planet’s temperature would be around 0 degrees Fahrenheit (about -18 degrees Celsius). This premise dates back to 1820, when Joseph Fournier realized that the planet would be much colder without an atmosphere. In the 1890s, Swedish chemist Svante Arrhehius realized that humans can increase the greenhouse effect by creating carbon dioxide. Global warming, therefore, results from the discharge of additional greenhouse gases.
Some greenhouse gases are created as a result of the actions of humans. Burning coal, oil and natural gas emits carbon dioxide into the air, and deforestation exacerbates its effects. Harmful greenhouse gases are also released into the atmosphere due to chemicals found in aerosols, refrigerators and Styrofoam cups. The release of dangerous greenhouse gases takes a toll on the environment as tiny bits of gas can hold a large amount of heat. Since the Industrial Revolution, humans have increased the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by 30 percent, and within a few decades there have been major climate changes that previously took centuries.
As more heat is locked within Earth’s atmosphere due to the greenhouse effect of global warming, some scientists predict that summers and winters around the world may get hotter. Warmer temperatures can affect crops, as some foods don’t grow as well in heat. Additionally, the greenhouse effect of global warming can cause the polar ice caps to melt, which forces sea levels to rise. Higher sea levels can wreak havoc on the planet through inundation of low-lying coastal lands.
While some areas will flood, the greenhouse effect of global warming could also cause other parts of the Earth to dry up. This will alter Earth’s ecosystems, changing the areas where plants and animals can exist. In turn, this can lead to the disappearance of some plant and animal species.
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