Climate Change and the Greenhouse Effect

Introduction

• Human activities, such as pollution and overpopulation, are increasing the Earth's temperature.
• The phenomenon driving this change is known as the greenhouse effect.

The Greenhouse Effect

• Greenhouse Gases:
  • Water vapor
  • Carbon dioxide (CO2)
  • Methane (CH4)
  • Nitrous oxide (N2O)
  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• These gases allow sunlight to enter but trap some heat, similar to a greenhouse.
• Increased greenhouse gases lead to more heat being trapped, exacerbating the greenhouse effect.

Human Contribution

• Since the Industrial Revolution, CO2 levels have increased by more than a third due to fossil fuel burning.
• Rapid increase in greenhouse gases has led to alarming rates of warming.
• Current CO2 levels have not been this high for hundreds of thousands of years.

Consequences of Climate Change

Effects on Oceans and Weather

• Melting ice sheets (Greenland and Antarctica) contribute to rising sea levels.
• Rising sea levels lead to flooding in coastal regions.
• Increased temperatures result in:
  • More intense storms
  • Floods
  • Heavy snowfall
  • Longer, more frequent droughts

Impact on Agriculture

• Climate change poses challenges for growing crops.
• Habitats for plants and animals are shifting.
• Diminished water supplies affect food production.

Effects on Health

• Warmer temperatures lead to increased smog in urban areas, which contains ozone particles.
• Higher temperatures accelerate smog formation.
• Health issues linked to smog exposure include:
  • Asthma
  • Heart disease
  • Lung cancer

The Role of Humans in Mitigating Climate Change

• While humans are causing rapid climate change, they can also combat it.
• Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind) can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Preventing the worst effects of climate change is still possible through collective action.