Whats the Deal with Globe Warming?

The question of globe warming and its effects is a widely debated topic. This is an issue that may be termed as an insidious anthropogenic disaster. It is generally the documented historical near-the earth surface warming. It came into existence in the mid 20th century and has been progressive at a very unprecedented alarming rate. It is synonymous with climate change but quite different as climate is an identified state of nature persisting for a decade or longer but globe warming is a combined effect of solar irradiance change and man made green house gases.

How does globe warming occur?

The green house gases act like a blanket bringing a similar effect as the glass panes of a green house walls and reflect the light that the earth radiates into space. Most of the radiations will be absorbed by the clouds, earth surface and the atmosphere. The earth surface then reflects the heat back in space as infra red radiation. For a constant temperature to be maintained the rate at which the earth emits energy into space out to equal the rate it absorbs the sun energy. The refusal to allow a certain amount of terrestrial radiation to elapse brings along the green house effect that keeps the earth’s average surface temperature ranging at around 60F (15C).

Which are these green house gases?

Several atmospheric gases will act as green house gases. The most infamous gas is carbon dioxide. This is a gas emitted through human beings and animal’s respiration, fossil fuel burning, deforestation and several other land uses. Its existence being continually in the rise most green house sanction measures are aimed at controlling carbon dioxide. Other gases will though appearing in much smaller quantities cause more far reaching severe effects.

Among them is methane gas. Methane is produced by livestock, oil and gas producing companies.wet rice agriculture, solid waste and coal mining. It has 11 times more warming potential than carbon dioxide per volume. Another gas is nitrous oxide. This is a gas produced by the current agricultural practices and methods. Its effects in globe warming potential are 270 times more than carbon dioxide. Chlorofluorocarbons are gases used as refrigerants as well as in aerosol spray dispensers. They have a 3400-7100 times more than CO2 potential.

Below are a few of the effects of globe warming:

• Extinction of plant, birds and animal species. This is due to the imbalance in the natural activities.
• Glacier melting and rising of sea level. The increased temperatures are continually affecting the ice caps making the ice to melt and flow downwards.
• Increase in violent storms such as hurricanes and typhoons.

What are some of the control measures we should do?

• Some suggested ways of controlling globe warming include use of high efficiency compact fluorescent lights, use of self powered or public transport to reduce the rate of fumes emission.
• Reduction In the rate of deforestation and encourage forestation of bare lands. This will help control the carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere as the trees act as a carbon sink.
• Avoid use of aerosols in pest and diseases control thus regulating the amount of fluorocarbons emitted.

Hope you found that helpful and enjoyed my quick read about Globe warming. If you disagree or feel I left anything out, feel free to leave some info in the comments below!