Environmental Science: Greenhouse Effect and Emissions

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth, composed mainly of nitrogen and oxygen, which shields us from harmful radiation and regulates temperature.

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, from low-energy radio waves to high-energy gamma rays, including visible light.

The process by which the Earth's atmosphere traps heat, warming the planet.

The process of the atmosphere absorbing some of the Sun's energy and re-emitting it back to Earth, leading to a warmer surface.

The part of the electromagnetic spectrum that our eyes can see.

The ability of a surface to reflect incoming solar radiation. Higher albedo means more reflection, lower albedo means more absorption.

Gases that absorb and trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, causing the greenhouse effect.

The natural greenhouse effect is the process of the Earth's atmosphere trapping heat from the Sun, which keeps the planet warm enough to support life.

The enhanced greenhouse effect is the increasing amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere due to human activities, leading to global warming.

The primary greenhouse gases responsible for the natural greenhouse effect are water vapor (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

The enhanced greenhouse effect is attributed to the increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere due to human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.

Increased greenhouse gases trap more heat in the atmosphere, leading to a rise in Earth's average temperature, known as global warming.

The major components of dry air, listed by their volume fractions.

The amount of a substance present in a mixture, expressed as a proportion of the total volume. For an ideal gas, volume fraction is equal to the mole fraction.

A unit of measurement for concentrations, where 1 ppmv means 1 volume of a substance per million volumes of a mixture.

A range of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light, but shorter than microwaves. Also known as heat radiation.

The absorption of solar radiation by gases in the atmosphere, mainly ozone and oxygen, which prevents harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the Earth's surface.

The process by which gases absorb radiation, converting it into heat energy. Different gases have different absorption spectra, meaning they absorb radiation at specific wavelengths.

Fossil CO2 emissions are expected to rise in China, India, and international aviation in 2023, while declining in the USA, EU, and other regions.

The total amount of CO2 released from burning fossil fuels plus cement production in 2022 was approximately 36.4 billion tons.

The emissions from ships and airplanes operating internationally are called 'bunkers'. These emissions are projected to rise in 2023.

The amount of CO2 emitted from burning fossil fuels in 2022 was approximately 37.1 billion tons, an increase of 63% from 1990.

The projected increase in global fossil CO2 emissions for 2023 is around 1%, based on preliminary data and modeling.

The partitioning of carbon emissions between the atmosphere and carbon sinks on land and in the ocean. It represents the balance between the amount of carbon released and the amount absorbed by these sinks.

These are processes that amplify the effects of climate change. They occur because a change in one factor causes a further change in the same direction, creating a cycle of escalating effects.

These processes counteract the effects of climate change, helping to moderate or slow down its progress. They occur because a change in one factor leads to a change in the opposite direction, creating a stabilizing influence.

The release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and CO2 from thawing permafrost, contributing to the enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming.

The melting of snow and sea ice due to rising temperatures, reduces Earth's albedo, leading to increased absorption of solar radiation and further warming.

Increased water vapor in the atmosphere due to higher temperatures. Water vapor is a greenhouse gas, enhancing the greenhouse effect and further warming the planet.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is a scientific body that assesses the scientific, technical and socio-economic information relevant to climate change.

The IPCC produces comprehensive reports on climate change, its causes, impacts, and response options, providing valuable insights for policymakers and the scientific community.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect. It is naturally produced through processes like respiration and volcanic eruptions, but human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are significantly increasing its concentration.

Methane (CH4) is another potent greenhouse gas, trapping more heat than CO2 over a shorter period. It originates from natural sources like wetlands and permafrost, but human activities, including agriculture, fossil fuel extraction, and waste management, are major contributors to its increasing levels.

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse gas that remains in the atmosphere for a long time, trapping heat and contributing to climate change. Although it's naturally released from the soil, human activities like the use of nitrogen fertilizers and industrial processes are intensifying its presence in the atmosphere.

Black carbon (BC) is a type of particulate matter produced from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass. It absorbs sunlight, warming the atmosphere and contributing to climate change.

Global warming potential (GWP) is a measure used to compare the relative heat-trapping capabilities of different greenhouse gases. It indicates how much heat a gas traps compared to the same amount of carbon dioxide over a specific time period, commonly 20, 100, or 500 years.

Anthropogenic emissions are greenhouse gas releases resulting from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, agriculture, and industrial processes. They are the main driver of the current increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

The global carbon cycle is the continuous movement of carbon between the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms. Human activities, like burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are disrupting this natural cycle, leading to an increase in atmospheric CO2 levels and contributing to climate change.

Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) refers to technologies and natural processes that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it elsewhere. Some examples include planting trees, capturing CO2 from the air, and storing it underground.