Scientist believe that human activities are at least part to blame for the rapid rise in temperatures (global warming) since the 1970s.
In order to understand this, you firstly need to understand the greenhouse effect: |
By the end of the century average global temperatures could rise by 1.8-4 degrees centigrade. This could lead to a rise in sea level of 28-43cm. |
Greenhouse gases
Gases that are able to absorb heat in the form of long range radiation. Greenhouse effect A natural feature of the atmosphere that means that the Earth is a habitable temperature. As solar radiation enters the atmosphere it reaches the earth and heats it up. This heat is reflected back into the atmosphere. Some of this heat leaves the atmosphere and enters space, but some is absorbed by greenhouse cases and is re-emitted which further heats the earth. Enhanced greenhouse effect/ anthropomorphic greenhouse effect This is the same as the greenhouse effect, but due to human activity, there are more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere which absorb more of the long range radiation, which increases the warming effect. Global warming The term used to describe the increase in global temperature due to human activities. |
Human activities that increase the amount of greenhouse gases:
There are three main greenhouse gases that are increased due to human activities; carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O).
There are different human activities that increase each one.
There are different human activities that increase each one.
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
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Methane (CH4)
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Nitrous oxide (N2O)
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