While that would be an apt explanation of greenhouse effect and global warming for kids, as an adult you should obviously ask for more. That, however, doesn't really happen, as we are used to the practice of gathering bits and pieces of information, and adding to the prevailing myths about the issue. If an individual is asked 'why is greenhouse effect important to life on earth', he is bound to get perplexed, as we have always looked at greenhouse effect as an environmental issue. Even though greenhouse effect is not harmful for the planet, 'enhanced greenhouse effect' definitely is. Sadly though, this and other such important greenhouse effect facts have been eluding the brightest minds of the world since quite a long time.
Greenhouse Effect: Facts and Myths
Before we move on to understand the complex relationship between global warming and the greenhouse effect, let's try to get a proper understanding of what is the greenhouse effect. Basically, the thermal radiations coming from the Sun are reflected back to the space after they come in contact with the surface of the Earth. When these radiations are reflected back, some atmospheric gases restrict their reflection and trap them within the atmosphere of the Earth. The entire process of these thermal radiations entering the Earth's atmosphere and getting trapped in it is known as the greenhouse effect, and the atmospheric gases which play a crucial role in trapping these radiations are known as the greenhouse gases.
Some of the most abundant greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane etc. Other than these gases, the greenhouse gases list also includes gases such as nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), sulfur hexafluoride etc. Overall, the greenhouse effect is a perfectly normal phenomenon which is necessary for the existence of life on the Earth, and its absence can leave the planet absolutely cold and unsuitable for human habitation. A look at the greenhouse effect diagram will make the concept easier for you to understand.
Relationship Between the Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
While greenhouse effect is necessary for the existence of life on our planet, too much of the same can spell disaster for us. This 'too much' is what we call the 'enhanced greenhouse effect'. When we say that the conditions on Earth are conducive for presence of life, the average temperature prevailing on the planet has a crucial role to play. Any rise or fall in this temperature can result in some serious implications on the planet. While the absence of greenhouse effect can result in fall in the average temperature, too much of the same can result in its rise - both of which are threats for the presence of life on the planet.
How Does Greenhouse Effect Contribute to Global Warming?
Simply put, global warming is an abnormal increase in the average near surface temperature of the planet. This 'abnormal rise' can be attributed to several underlying factors, including pollution and deforestation, all of which amount to enhanced greenhouse effect. When the Sun's thermal radiations are trapped by greenhouse gases within the Earth's atmosphere, they add to the near surface temperature of the planet and cause it to rise. More recently, the concentration of these greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has increased by a significant amount. This increase in concentration of greenhouse gases, in turn, results in increase in the amount of heat trapped within the atmosphere, and eventually contributes to global warming.
The greenhouse effect causes can be broadly categorized into natural gases as well as anthropogenic causes. While natural causes of greenhouse effect include presence of water vapor, release of methane from wetlands, volcanic eruptions etc., the anthropogenic causes include human induced environmental pollution, deforestation, cattle rearing, and other activities. The difference between the two, however, is that the natural causes help in maintaining the balance of greenhouse gases, and anthropogenic causes disrupt this balance and cause global warming.
What is the Difference Between Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming?
This is one of the most frequently asked question about global warming and climate change. If you compare and contrast the greenhouse effect and global warming, you would realize that the two share a cause and effect relationship, with the 'greenhouse effect' acting as a cause and the phenomenon of 'global warming' acting as its effect. While going through the information about global warming and greenhouse effect for kids may make this phenomenon look quite simple, it is only after going through all this intricate details that you realize that there is a lot more to know about it.
That covered a great deal of information about the greenhouse effect and global warming relationship, which must have helped you get rid of various myths about this phenomenon. All being said, the onus is on us to ensure that we refrain from contributing to the greenhouse effect, either directly or indirectly, and do out bit to stop global warming and its repercussions on our planet.
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