Greenhouse Effect: A Comprehensive Overview PDF

Group  DEFINITI ON The greenhouse effect is the process through which heat is trapped near Earth's surface by substances known as 'greenhouse gases.' Greenhouse gases consist of carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, nit...

Group  DEFINITI ON The greenhouse effect is the process through which heat is trapped near Earth's surface by substances known as 'greenhouse gases.' Greenhouse gases consist of carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and water vapor. Water vapor, which reacts to temperature changes, is referred to as a 'feedback', because it amplifies the effect of forces that initially caused the warming.  SOURCES AND CAUSES 1.Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, absorbs and re-emits infrared radiation, trapping heat in the atmosphere and contributing to global warming. Natural Sources: Volcanic eruptions, respiration, and decomposition of organic matter. Human Sources: Burning fossil fuels for energy (coal, oil, natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes significantly contribute to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, exacerbating the greenhouse effect.  SOURCES AND CAUSES 2. Methane (CH4) Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas that absorbs and re-emits infrared radiation, contributing significantly to global warming, particularly in the short term. Natural Sources: Wetlands, termites, and the digestive processes of ruminant animals. Human Sources: Livestock farming, rice cultivation, fossil fuel extraction, waste management, and industrial processes, contribute significantly to methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.  SOURCES AND CAUSES 3. Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas with a high global warming potential, contributing significantly to climate change, primarily through agricultural and industrial activities. Natural Sources: Soil microbes, ocean bacteria. Human Sources: Agricultural practices, industrial processes, and fossil fuel combustion, contribute significantly to N2O emissions by stimulating microbial activity and releasing N2O as a byproduct.  SOURCES AND CAUSES 4. Fluorinated Gases Fluorinated gases are potent greenhouse gases, often thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide, contributing significantly to global warming, particularly due to their long atmospheric lifetimes and high heat- trapping capacity. Human-made: Primarily HFCs, PFCs, SF6, and NF3, are potent greenhouse gases emitted from various human activities, including refrigeration, air conditioning, industrial processes, fire protection systems, and certain consumer products, significantly contributing to climate change. GREENHOUSE EFFECT PROCESS  GREENHOUSE EFFECT PROCESS Greenhouse Gas Absorption: Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb this longwave radiation, Solar Radiation: The trapping heat and preventing it Sun emits shortwave from escaping into space. radiation, which reaches Earth's surface. Warming Effect: Absorption and Re-emission: The trapped heat Some of this radiation is causes the Earth's absorbed by Earth's surface, temperature to warming it. The warmed surface rise. then emits longwave radiation back into the atmosphere.  WHY DO WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT? 1.The greenhouse effect is a complex process that warms our planet, and scientists need to study it to understand how it works and what we can do about it. 2.Understanding the greenhouse effect helps governments make decisions about climate change, like reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to its impacts. 3.The greenhouse effect affects everyone, from rising sea levels to extreme weather events. It's important to study it so we can take steps to protect our planet and future generations.  IMPACTS CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL Rising Sea Levels IMPACTS Extreme Weather Events MIGRATION AND Disruption of Ecosystems DISPLACEMENT Ocean Acidification Tourism Health Risks Labor Productivity Conflict and Security Mental Health HOW TO SOLVE THE CONSEQUENCES OF GREENHOUSE EFFECT? Reducing emissions of the so-called greenhouse gases, such as CO2 or CH4 is not the only solution to curb the greenhouse effect. International organisations also agree on the following recommendations: Use renewable energy. They are driving our progress in preserving the environment and alleviating the crisis of exhaustible energy sources, such as gas and oil. Use public transport and other non-polluting means, such as electric vehicles or bicycles. Promote ecological awareness among citizens and different administrations. Commit to recycling and the circular economy. Reduce the consumption of meat and the food waste. Consume organic products.  WASTE CLASSIFICATI ON  DEFINITIO GARBAG N RUBBISH Garbage E is mostly This also means worthless, decomposable food wastes useless and unwanted matter which are highly putrescible. that is to be disposed of. This is The putrescible solid wastes the dry component of refuse generate humus and thus enrich which are not easily the soil and some can be sorted decomposable or putrescible. and used as hog feed. Examples are trash, scrap metals, junk, rubble, debris, detritus, glass, cloth etc.  DEFINITIO REFUSE N TRASH Nonhazardous solid waste that Trash generally encompasses requires collection and transport non-perishable waste that to a processing or disposal site. cannot be composted or Refuse includes garbage and recycled easily. This type of rubbish. waste often ends up in landfills, where it can take a long time to decompose.  SOURCES 1. DOMESTIC SOURCES Human activities in the homes generates wastes of varied characteristics ranging from rejects arising from food preparations to left over foods, rapping materials of purchased items and disused household furniture and materials. The bulk of wastes of domestic origin are either putrescible or combustible. They are mainly biodegradable in nature. 2. AGRICULTURAL SOURCESactivities contribute Agricultural to the major waste stream of a community. Agricultural wastes are mainly biodegradable refuse (garbage) emanating from the growth and processing of farm products. It may also include to a minor extent disused materials, implements and machinery.  SOURCES 3. INDUSTRIAL SOURCES Industrial processes also generate a great proportion of solid wastes of a municipality. Industrial solid wastes may vary dependent on the type of industry but commonly it may consist of rejected packaging materials, disused materials, equipment and machinery and also substandard products of such industries. 4. COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES Commercial or trading activities generate plenty of wastes which are mainly similar to domestic waste in characteristics and composition.  HOW TO PROPERLY REDUCE MANAGE WASTE Conscious consumption is essential for waste reduction, as it involves purchasing only necessary items and avoiding impulsive buying. Reusable items like bags, bottles, and utensils offer sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics, minimizing waste generation. Digitalization of documents and bills can significantly reduce paper consumption, contributing to a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. REUSE Repurposing old items through creative reuse extends their lifespan and reduces the need for new products. Donating unwanted items to charity provides them with a new purpose and benefits those in need. Repairing broken items rather than replacing them conserves resources and reduces waste.  HOW TO PROPERLY MANAGE WASTE RECYCLE Proper waste segregation is crucial for effective recycling, as it involves separating recyclable materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal. Familiarity with local recycling programs ensures that recyclable materials are disposed of correctly and contribute to sustainable waste management. Responsible electronic waste disposal is essential to prevent environmental contamination and promote sustainable practices. REMEMBER: “CARING FOR THE EARTH IS NOT A HIPPIE THING, IT’S A SURVIVAL THING.” THANK YOU!