Greenhouse gases

BY NIKHIL

The greenhouse effect is a natural process by which some of the

radiant heat from the Sun is captured in the lower atmosphere of the
Earth, thus maintaining the temperature of the Earth's surface. The
gases that help capture the heat, called greenhouse gases, include
water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and a variety
of manufactured chemicals

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, which makes the

Earth warmer.

Some greenhouse gases stay in the atmosphere for only a short

time, but others can stay in the atmosphere and affect the climate
for thousands of years.

Not all greenhouse gases are created equal.

Some trap more heat than others. For example, one pound of
methane traps about 21 times as much heat as one pound of carbon
dioxide

Carbon dioxide is the most important greenhouse gas emitted by

humans, but several other gases contribute to climate change

Effects

More drought and more flooding

When the weather gets warmer,

evaporation from both land and sea
increases. This can cause drought in
areas of the world where the increased
evaporation is not compensated for by
more precipitation.
In some regions of the world this will
result in crop failure and famine
especially in areas where
temperatures are already high. The
extra water vapour in the atmosphere
will fall again as extra rain, which can
cause flooding in other places in the
world.

Less ice and snow

Worldwide, glaciers are shrinking rapidly at present. Ice appears to be melting

faster than previously estimated. In areas that are dependent on meltwater
from mountain areas, this can cause drought and lack of domestic water supply.
According to the IPCC, up to a sixth of the world's population lives in areas that
will be affected by meltwater reduction

Rising sea level

Sea level rises because of melting ice and snow and because of the thermal
expansion of the sea (water expands when warmed). Areas that are just above
sea level now, may become submerged.
For example, some Pacific Island nations are expected to be partially or
completely submerged by the end of the century. Coastal and shallow marine
plants and animals will be affected, for example mangroves and coral reefs.
In countries with large areas of coastal lowland there will be a dual risk of river
floods and coastal flooding, which will reduce the area for living and working.
Coastal defences will need to be strengthened, and river levees will need to be
developed. The increase in standing water may allow more insects like
mosquitoes and diseases spread by insects, such as Lymes disease.

How to reduce

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Do your part to reduce waste by choosing reusable products instead of

disposables. Buying products with minimal packaging (including the economy size
when that makes sense for you) will help to reduce waste. And whenever you can,
recycle paper, plastic, newspaper, glass and aluminium cans. If there isn't a
recycling program at your workplace, school, or in your community, ask about
starting one. By recycling half of your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds
of carbon dioxide annually.
2. Use Less Heat and Air Conditioning
Adding insulation to your walls and attic, and installing weather stripping or
caulking around doors and windows can lower your heating costs more than 25
percent, by reducing the amount of energy you need to heat and cool your home.
Turn down the heat while you're sleeping at night or away during the day, and keep
temperatures moderate at all times. Setting your thermostat just 2 degrees lower
in winter and higher in summer could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide
each year

3.Buy Energy-Efficient Products

When it's time to buy a new car, choose one that offers good gas
mileage. Home appliances now come in a range of energy-efficient
models, and compact florescent bulbs are designed to provide more
natural-looking light while using far less energy than standard light
bulbs.
Avoid products that come with excess packaging, especially molded
plastic and other packaging that can't be recycled. If you reduce your
household garbage by 10 percent, you can save 1,200 pounds of carbon
dioxide annually.

4.Use the "Off" Switch

Save electricity and reduce global warming by turning off lights when
you leave a room, and using only as much light as you need. And
remember to turn off your television, video player, stereo and computer
when you're not using them