Global warming generally occurs when radiation bouncing off the Earth’s surface gets trapped in the atmosphere. Certain gases in the atmosphere, called greenhouse gases, block most of the heat and radiation bouncing off the Earth’s surface from heading out to space. So while a fraction of the heat and radiation escapes, those that are absorbed by the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is reflected back down to the Earth’s surface. This process, called “greenhouse effect,” is basically how our planet keeps warm.
The various greenhouse gases differ widely in their properties and behavior, including their ability to absorb, retain, and emit radiation. Though, by far, carbon dioxide is cited as the major contributor for the current global warming trend as it makes up a huge percentage of the greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere. This is because aside from the naturally occurring carbon dioxide, massive amounts of this gas is produced by burning fossil fuels to produce electricity as well as to run machines and factories.
Another greenhouse gas that contribute to global warming is methane. This gas is naturally present below ground and under the sea floor. And when it is released into the atmosphere, it becomes known as atmospheric methane. It is highly flammable and is used as fuel for ovens, heaters, turbines and many other things. Methane is also produced by certain chemical processes that occur in landfills, agriculture and marine sediments.
Two other greenhouse gases that are contributory to global warming are Nitrous oxide from fertilizers and fluorinated gases which are used for refrigeration and industrial processes.
But while Carbon Dioxide makes up majority of the greenhouse concentration in the atmosphere, Nitrous Oxide is actually 300 times more potent. Unfortunately, despite the knowledge of how our activities are greatly affecting climate change, not much has been done to rectify the problem due to varied interests and concerns of the planet’s general population. So, will the time for a collective effort to combat global warming and preventive measures to abate the possible demise of humanity ever come to fruition?