What is the “Greenhouse Effect” and the “Natural Greenhouse Effect”?
What is the “Greenhouse Effect” and the “Natural Greenhouse Effect?”
The “Natural Greenhouse Effect” is the natural level of greenhouse gases that are in the Earth’s atmosphere. This keeps our planet warmer than it would otherwise be, and essential for life. Water vapor is the most important component of the natural greenhouse effect. Approximately 80% to 90% of our planet’s natural greenhouse effect is due to water vapor which is a very strong and potent greenhouse gas. The remaining 10% to 20% of the Earth’s natural greenhouse effect is due to carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane plus a few relatively minor greenhouse gases.
The “Greenhouse Effect” the Earth is experiencing is due to the anthropogenic or man-made greenhouse gas emissions that are polluting the Earth’s atmosphere and ecosystem. The Greenhouse Effect enhances or exacerbates the Earth’s “natural greenhouse effect” with the additional greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels that come from coal, natural gas and other petroleum/hydrocarbon fuels.
The greenhouse effect is driven via “infrared radiation.” Greenhouse gases trap some of the infrared radiation that escapes from the Earth which makes/keeps the Earth warmer than it would otherwise be. A greenhouse gas act as a “blanket” for this infrared radiation and keeps the Earth’s lower layers of the atmosphere warmer, and the upper layers cooler, than it would otherwise be is the greenhouse gases were not there.
It is the additional greenhouse gas emissions (primarily carbon dioxide emissions) and their ever-increasing levels in the atmosphere – due to the burning of fossil fuels – that are the cause of climate change and global warming. The anthropogenic or man-made portion of the greenhouse effect, which started with the industrial revolution 150 years ago with the growing use of fossil fuels, that is the basis of the greenhouse effect. One of the many negative outcomes to the planet is the acidification of the Earth’s oceans.
What is Ocean Acidification?
Ocean acidification is the changing of the planet’s oceans pH levels from alkaline to acid. The oceans absorb about 25% of the carbon dioxide emissions from the planet’s atmosphere. This helps offset or mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and global warming.
When carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans, the CO2 dissolves in the seawater and carbonic acid is formed. Carbon emissions have lowered the pH of the oceans by approximately 10% since the advent of the industrial revolution. Ocean acidification decreases the ability of marine organisms such as phytoplankton and algae to function. Ocean acidification has also been linked to the dying off of coral reefs, as well as negatively impacting fish populations.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Levels of greenhouse gas emissions
What effect do greenhouse gases have on climate change?
What are the sources of greenhouse gas emissions?
How to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
What is the Prospect for Future Carbon Dioxide Emissions?
What is Biochar?
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting
