There are three types of greenhouse gases, which consist of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide – these gases produce the ‘greenhouse effect’, a damaging consequence of the industrial revolution which is slowly damaging the Earth’s atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is the result of burning fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gases and coal. This is the primary cause of man-made greenhouse gas emissions, as well as being created naturally through humans breathing and the fermentation of waste products. Though one may assume that this organic product is safe due to its natural production, it is actually a very harmful gas at high concentrations. The product of mining fossil fuels, agricultural endeavours and the decay of organic substances, Methane is not as prevalent in the atmosphere as Carbon Dioxide but still traps heat as a higher rate, making it more dangerous. However, its biological lifespan is relatively short compared to other gases, lasting just 12 years.
Finally, Nitrous Oxide or N2O is generated through fertilisers in agricultural practices, as well as through catalytic converters in cars and naturally through oceans. This harmful gas is 300 times more effective as trapping heat in the atmosphere, making it one of the main contenders for encouraging global warming, as well as lasting 120 years in the Earth’s atmosphere.
The rise of global warming means far more than simply a damaged atmosphere – the results range from climate change, sea levels rising and the destruction of the ecosystems across the globe. Vast expanses of desert landscapes and islands have disappeared as well as killing over 100,000 people a year due to heat waves and droughts. As the heat of the planet increases, more water vapour is created which stops heat escaping from the planet. There has been much talk in recent years about the effects of global warming, with many countries making a concerted effort to reduce their carbon footprint. Each and every person must ensure they make more of an effort to be energy efficient in order to help save the planet from global warming.
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