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Left: A stylized representation of the natural greenhouse effect. Most of the sun’s radiation reaches the Earth’s surface. Naturally occurring heat-trapping gases, including water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, do not absorb the short-wave energy from the sun but do absorb the long-wave energy re-radiated from the Earth, keeping the planet much warmer than it would be otherwise. Right: In this stylized representation of the human-intensified greenhouse effect, human activities, predominantly the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas), are increasing levels of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases, increasing the natural greenhouse effect and thus Earth’s temperature. (Figure source: modified from National Park Servicea6a29141-7f5c-4353-b0e0-38b8cc2f9dcf). Consequences of the greenhouse effectGREENHOUSE EFFECTThe consequences of the greenhouse effect: from desertification to floods#nature Human action is causing an increase in global temperature. For that reason, the greenhouse effect, far from being our great ally as was the case in the past, is now a risk to our survival. The flooding of coastal cities, the desertification of fertile areas, the melting of glacial masses and the proliferation of devastating hurricanes are just some of the main consequences. Global warming is having a profound impact on the processes of soil degradation and is contributing to the desertification of the most arid areas on the planet.
The increase in the global temperature of the planet produces a rise in the level of the sea, which will cause the disappearance of islands and coastal cities. FIGHTING THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE GREENHOUSE EFFECTWould you like someone to tell you about it? Listen to this article. For those who want to change the world. WHAT IS THE GREENHOUSE EFFECTThe greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon and is beneficial for us. Certain gases in the atmosphere retain part of the thermal radiation emitted by the Earth's surface after being heated by the sun, this maintains the planet's temperature at a level suitable for the development of life. Human action — through activities such as industry, intensive agriculture and livestock farming, or transport —, however, has increased the presence of these gases in the atmosphere — mainly, carbon dioxide and methane as a result of the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil or gas —, causing them to retain more heat and to increase the temperature on the planet. This is what we know as global warming. HOW THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT IS PRODUCEDGREEN HOUSE EFFECTNumerous gases that are part of the atmosphere absorb the Earth’s infra-red radiation, producing an increase in the temperature of the surface of our planet and the atmospheric layer that surrounds it Layer of Carbon dioxide Radiation escaping into space Irradiate heat into surface Solar radiation Evolution of CO 2 (Gt) CO2 is the gas that contributes the most to the greenhouse effect. We present the history of emissions in the world during the last decade GREEN HOUSE EFFECT Numerous gases that are part of the atmosphere absorb the Earth’s infra-red radiation, producing an increase in the temperature of the surface of our planet and the atmospheric layer that surrounds it Layer of Carbon dioxide RRadiation escaping into space Calor irradiado a la superficie Solar radiation Evolution of CO 2 (Gt) CO2 is the gas that contributes the most to the greenhouse effect. We present the history of emissions in the world during the last decade SEE INFOGRAPHIC: Do you know how the greenhouse effect is produced? [PDF] External link, opens in new window. CONSEQUENCES OF THE GREENHOUSE EFFECTThe increase in the average temperature on Earth is changing living conditions on the planet. Let's find out about the main consequences of this phenomenon:
Thawing will produce a global rise in sea level and the release of more methane, among other consequences. The intensity of hurricanes will be greater due to the greenhouse effect. Many animal species will migrate as consequence of the high temperatures. With global warming, insects, invasive weeds and diseases will affect crops. CONSEQUENCES OF THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT ON HUMAN HEALTHThe greenhouse effect is also directly affecting human health through:
The decrease in agricultural and livestock production will bring about the food shortage. Global warming will spread infectious diseases across the planet. HOW TO SOLVE THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE GREENHOUSE EFFECTReducing emissions of the so-called greenhouse gases, such as CO2 or CH4 is not the only solution to curb the greenhouse effect. International organisations also agree on the following recommendations:
Climate action is synonymous with any policy, measure or programme that works to reduce greenhouse gases, builds resilience to climate change or supports and finances those objectives. The Paris Agreement (2015) was the first major international agreement towards those ends. At COP21, when it was signed, 174 countries and the European Union agreed to work with the goal of keeping global warming below 2°C. Within its climate action, the Iberdrola group is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 in Europe, it has also committed to reducing its global CO2 emissions intensity to 50g/kWh — which would be 70g/kWh by the end of 2025 — until it becomes carbon neutral globally by 2050. The company has also set a target to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which has been approved by the Science Based Target initiative. How has the burning of fossil fuels intensified the greenhouse effect quizlet?Burning of fossil fuels has caused an increased level of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. More carbon dioxide in the atmosphere results in more absorbed heat and a warmer global temperature.
How much do fossil fuels contribute to greenhouse gases?Since 1970, CO2 emissions have increased by about 90%, with emissions from fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes contributing about 78% of the total greenhouse gas emissions increase from 1970 to 2011. Agriculture, deforestation, and other land-use changes have been the second-largest contributors.
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