Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases

Climate Change

• Refers to the long-term warming of the planet due to an increase in the average global temperature
• Mainly caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation
• Effects:
  • Melting of polar ice caps and glaciers
  • Changes in precipitation patterns
  • Increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events

Greenhouse Gases

• Gases in the atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation, trapping heat and contributing to global warming
• Main greenhouse gases:
  • Carbon dioxide (CO2)
  • Methane (CH4)
  • Nitrous oxide (N2O)
  • Ozone (O3)
  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• Human activities that release greenhouse gases:
  • Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas)
  • Deforestation and land-use changes
  • Agriculture and livestock production

Carbon Footprint

• The amount of greenhouse gases, mainly CO2, emitted by human activities
• Individual carbon footprint:
  • Calculated by considering daily activities, such as:
    • Energy consumption (electricity, gas, fuel)
    • Transportation (driving, flying)
    • Food production and consumption
  • Can be reduced by:
    • Using public transport or carpooling
    • Using energy-efficient appliances
    • Eating a plant-based diet

Ozone Layer

• A layer of ozone (O3) in the stratosphere that protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation
• Ozone depletion:
  • Caused by the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances
  • Leads to the formation of the ozone hole over Antarctica
  • Increases the risk of skin cancer and cataracts
• International agreements, such as the Montreal Protocol, aim to reduce ozone-depleting substances and protect the ozone layer

Rising Sea Levels

• Caused by:
  • Thermal expansion of seawater as the ocean warms
  • Melting of glaciers and polar ice caps
• Effects:
  • Coastal erosion and flooding
  • Saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources
  • Loss of land and displacement of coastal communities
• Projected sea-level rise:
  • Up to 1 meter by 2100, depending on the level of greenhouse gas emissions and ice sheet melting

Climate Change

• Long-term warming of the planet due to an increase in average global temperature
• Mainly caused by human activities releasing greenhouse gases

Greenhouse Gases

• Gases in the atmosphere absorbing and emitting radiation, trapping heat and contributing to global warming
• Main greenhouse gases: CO2, CH4, N2O, O3, and CFCs
• Released by human activities: burning fossil fuels, deforestation, agriculture, and livestock production

Carbon Footprint

• Amount of greenhouse gases (mainly CO2) emitted by human activities
• Calculated by considering daily activities: energy consumption, transportation, food production, and consumption
• Can be reduced by using public transport, energy-efficient appliances, and eating a plant-based diet

Ozone Layer

• Layer of ozone (O3) in the stratosphere protecting the Earth from harmful UV radiation
• Ozone depletion caused by CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances
• Leads to ozone hole formation, increased skin cancer risk, and cataracts
• International agreements aim to reduce ozone-depleting substances and protect the ozone layer

Rising Sea Levels

• Caused by thermal expansion of seawater and melting of glaciers and polar ice caps
• Effects: coastal erosion, flooding, saltwater intrusion, and loss of land
• Projected sea-level rise: up to 1 meter by 2100, depending on greenhouse gas emissions and ice sheet melting