Unprecedented Greenhouse Gas Emission -

here is basically a Greenhouse gas vented in the atmosphere of the earth due to human
activities such as the burning of fossil fuel, coal, oil and natural gases.
Gases that absorbs and emits radiant energy within the thermal infrared range, causing the
greenhouse effect. The primary greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere are water vapour
(H2O), carbon dioxide (CO), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and ozone (O3). Without
greenhouse gases, the average temperature of Earth’s surface would be about −18 °C (0 °F)
rather than the present average of 15 °C (59 °F). The atmospheres of Venus, Mars and Titan
also contain greenhouse gases.

Causes for Greenhouse Emission
Human activities since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution (around 1750) have increased
the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide by almost 50%, from 280 ppm in 1750 to 419
ppm in 2021. The last time the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide was this high was
over 3 million years ago. This increase has occurred despite the absorption of more than half of
the emissions by various natural carbon sinks in the carbon cycle.
Burning of Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are an important part of our lives. They are widely used in transportation and to
produce electricity. The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide. With the increase in
population, the utilization of fossil fuels has increased. This has led to an increase in the release
of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere

Deforestation
Plants and trees take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. For the large scale development
and cultivation of crops, the vast forest are been cleared which is causing deforestation and
there is a considerable increase in the greenhouse gases which increases the earth’s
temperature.

Farming

Nitrous oxide used in fertilizers is one of the contributors to the greenhouse effect in the
atmosphere. Excessive use of pesticides is leading to the destruction of biodiversity.
Industrial Waste and Landfills
The industries and factories produce harmful gases which are released into the atmosphere.
Landfills also release carbon dioxide and methane that adds to the greenhouse gases.
Global Warming
It is the phenomenon of a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s
atmosphere. The main cause for this environmental issue is the increased volumes of
greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane released by the burning of fossil fuels,
emissions from vehicles, industries and other human activities.
Depletion of Ozone Layer
The ozone layer protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. It is found in the
upper regions of the stratosphere. The depletion of the ozone layer results in the entry of
harmful UV rays to the earth’s surface that might lead to skin cancer and can also change the
climate drastically.
The major cause of this phenomenon is the accumulation of natural greenhouse gases including
chlorofluorocarbons, carbon dioxide, methane, etc.

Smog and Air Pollution
Smog is formed by the combination of smoke and fog. Smog is generally formed by the
accumulation of more greenhouse gases including nitrogen and sulfur oxides. The major
contributors to the formation of smog are automobile and industrial emissions, agricultural fires,
natural forest fires and the reaction of these chemicals among themselves.
Acidification of Water Bodies
An increase in the total amount of greenhouse gases in the air has turned most of the world’s
water bodies acidic. The greenhouse gases mix with the rainwater and fall as acid rain. This
leads to the acidification of water bodies.

Effects
Greenhouse gases have far-ranging environmental and health effects. They cause climate
change by trapping heat, and they also contribute to respiratory disease from smog and air
pollution. Extreme weather, food supply disruptions, and increased wildfires are other effects of
climate change caused by greenhouse gases.

Burning fossil fuels produces huge quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) which is a greenhouse
gas. Carbon dioxide along with other greenhouse gasses such as methane, nitrous oxide and
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are changing the composition of the atmosphere and are adding to
the greenhouse effect.

Prevention of greenhouse gases effect
Increased usage of alternative or renewable energy will facilitate energy conservation.
Planned afforestation on a large scale will help in the higher absorption of carbon dioxide from
the atmosphere. Barring at night, green plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into
the air.

Few Easy Steps to practice by everyone to prevent the greenhouse gas
Effects.
● Use green technology
● Take steps to control this at home and offices or at school
● Reuse the recycles
● Use both sides of the paper
● Replace the old Airconditioners and refrigerators
● Turn light, tv and appliances when not in use
● Increase Social awareness
● Use less hot water while bathing and try not to wastewater
● Plant Trees as much as you can and have a good care

What will it cost

An increase in the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases produces a positive climate
forcing, or warming effect. From 1990 to 2019, the total warming effect from greenhouse gases
added by humans to the Earth’s atmosphere increased by 45 per cent.
Loss of lives and Great Destruction!
Written by Arnav Shreyash (President IYCS)
ACTNOW with IYCS