Global Warming

Greenhouse Gases

Carbon dioxide and water vapour play important roles in maintainin uniformity in the temperature on Earth's surface.

Greenhouse gases are emissions that rise into the atmosphere and trap the sun's energy, keeping heat from escaping. This produces a warming effect called the greenhouse effect.



Greenhouse Gases - Atmosphere and the Environment

Sunlight enters the Earth and the atmosphere traps some of the radiation, keeping the Earth warm. Some gases such as CH4 (methane) and N2O (nitrous oxide) are very strong absorbers of radiation and are hence harmful to the earth but however,without these gases, Earth could be permanently covered with ice. The combustion of fossil fuels and large scale deforestation are causing a drastic increase in the production of greenhouse gases hence more carbon dioxide will rise into the atmosphere, trapping heat and causing an increase in the average temperature of the Earth. This phenomenon is hence known as Global Warming.