Burning of fossil fuels and land clearing during the past 200 years has led to a growth in the density of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This has led to an increase in the amount of infrared radiation that is captured by the atmosphere, which leads to an increase in the average temperature of the atmosphere, producing a run away greenhouse effect.
Increased temperatures in the lower atmosphere are likely to produce changes to weather and climate world-wide. Therefore, the enhanced greenhouse effect is often referred to as climate change or global warming.
The effects in greenhouse are astronomical. The Earth’s temperature could increase as much as 10°C by the end of the century. In Polar Regions, temperatures are predicted to rise a further eight to ten degrees in the winter time of the year.
Small island states such as the Maldives, are already experiencing similar effects due to coral depletion which has a staggering effect on the food-chain and tourism.
The global average sea level has increased by 10 to 25 centimetres over the last 100 years. Sea levels are expected to rise by 15 to 29 centimetres by 2100. These rising levels are caused by partial melting of mountain glaciers, ice caps and the expansion of sea water as it heats up. One major concern about this effect is the impact it could cause on small islands. The Pacific, for example is made up of thousands of small islands. If the sea levels continue rising, hundreds of islands may disappear.
There are a number of strategies that can be used to reduce the production of greenhouse gasses. Some of these include:
- Renewable and sustainable energy sources such as, solar power, hydroelectricity and harvesting biofuel (Re-usable fuels such as, ethanol)
- Electricity companies giving consumers choices of having their energy supplied from renewable sources.
- Governments setting fuel efficiency standards for all new motor vehicles.
- Improving public transport systems to attract people away from using cars.
- Controlling land clearing and encouraging plantation of trees.
To address the environmental consequences of global warming, most countries have become involved in discussions on how to avoid environmental disasters. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which was signed by 154 countries, included an objective to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
The Kyoto Protocol is now the key platform for the international community's response to climate change. It set targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions of participating nations.
Carbon Credits: 907kg groups of carbon which are stored in vegetation or in the soil. Each carbon credit represents the removal of 3628kg of carbon dioxide from the air.
INTERNET (5)
<The Greenhouse Effect> Date: 17/2/03
<Greenhouse Effect & Enhanced Greenhouse Effect > Date: 18/2/03
<What is the Greenhouse Effect? > Date: 17/2/03
<About the Greenhouse Effect> Date: 16/2/03
<Environment Victoria>
BOOKS (1)
<SOSE 4> first published 1999: Jacaranda Wildley Ltd.
