The generous amounts of energy the Earth receives from the Sun is essential for life but it also has the potential to produce an alarming side effect – global warming. This is due to the atmosphere’s capacity to trap incoming solar radiation and prevent the reflection of almost one third of the Sun’s radiation back into space. This phenomenon, known as the Greenhouse Effect, is responsible for allowing the planet to stay warm and habitable, without it, the global temperature would be too low to sustain life. But the Greenhouse Effect has an adverse side, leading to an increase in global temperature which can have profoundly damaging effects.
The Greenhouse Effect is primarily caused by gases in the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, which absorb the Sun’s radiation. These are referred to as greenhouse gases and are the most influential factor in global warming. As the climate warms and the atmosphere warms along with it, additional heat is then trapped in the atmosphere rather than escaping as it should. This additional heat is absorbed by the already present greenhouse gases and then re-emitted in all directions. This causes further warming and creates a ‘positive feedback loop’ which further adds to the planet’s overall temperature.
The consequences of this are far reaching and hold serious implications for our environment and the global community, leading to drastic changes in extreme weather patterns and an overall rise in sea levels. A warming planet has lead to an increase in both droughts, floods and wildfires. Ice caps and glaciers are melting rapidly and threatening the entire polar landscape. Arctic permafrost is no longer permanently frozen, resulting in the release of additional greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This increases the global temperature even further while also reducing the Earth’s ability to absorb additional carbon dioxide, creating yet another positive loop.
The potential consequences of global warming are enormous, from extinction of vital global ecosystems to a staggering increase in poverty levels. As ice continues to melt and the sea levels rise, numerous countries face the alarming possibility of devastating floods and coastal flooding, which can lead to displacement, an increase in severe weather events, food insecurity and the rapid spread of diseases and illnesses. Additionally, due to the massive changes in temperature and weather patterns, vital global crop yields are predicted to decrease significantly.
The Earth’s global temperature is increasing at an alarming rate and it is clear that a solution is required in order to help stop and reverse this trend. In order to do this, it is crucial to take accountability by drastically reducing levels of greenhouse gas emissions. This includes a shift to renewables, investing in green energy, educating the public and using alternative transportation and electricity to reduce our impact on the environment. Establishing a global network of collaboration, support and communication is essential to creating an effective solution for our current predicament. Governments, organizations, businesses and individuals need to work together on a holistic, global level in order to make concerted efforts to help mitigate the situation..
The world is currently in a state of shock over the extreme weather patterns being felt across the global. It is clear that the Greenhouse Effect and its resulting global warming are having a seriously detrimental effect on our planetary environment. Taking collective action as a global community is the only viable solution to stop the rise in temperatures and ultimately to prevent the continuous spiraling cycle of environmental damage.
