CyberDodo and greenhouse gases (1-40)

What are greenhouse gases? 2/2

As we have seen beforehand, ‘greenhouse gases' are so called because they have the capacity to absorb the infrared rays issued by the Earth. There are 2 types, let's start with those of natural origin:

Water vapour
Carbon dioxide, more widely known as CO2
Nitric oxide, N2O
Methane, CH2
Ozone, O3
Etc.

Although these components have been present in the earth's atmosphere for a long time, with the beneficial impact of maintaining a temperature conducive to the development of living species, human activity is responsible for their recent augmentation and the potentially disastrous effects which are associated with it.

Not forgetting that man produces a greater number of industrial GHGs, such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons, more widely known as CFCs, perfluoromethane, sulphur hexafluoride, etc

How do we take back control?

Due particularly to the work of the GIEC (Group of Intergovernmental Experts on the Evolution of the Climate), established in 1988 to assess the reality and the impact of climat change and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, we in fact know quite well what are the human activities which contribute to the increased production of GHGs.

The symbolic examples being, on the one hand, the massive use of fossil fuels after the end of the XIX century, such as carbon, petroleum and gas, which emit significant quantities of GHGs, with on the other hand deforestation has been increasing at a reckless pace. This is why the carbon sinks represented by forests are indispensible for regulation of the climate.

If man wanted to ensure that global warming took place and increased even more, he would not have done things any differently.

What are the human activities which contribute towards greenhouse gases racing out of control?

As man thinks that he can plunder the planet by generating multiple noxious agents and destruction to guarantee infinite growth (In this regard, see the case file on wasting energy), many sectors are involved (Examples):

Transport (Aeroplanes, trucks, cars)
Industries
Energy (Carbon, fuel, gas power stations, etc.)
Agriculture
Waste
Etc.

This list is of concern, but it also shows us that awareness raising efforts should be agreed on are at global level. The whole world should be involved, from individual level to the States, operating through International Organisations, and, of course, all the economic sectors.

Forecast increases in average temperatures from now until the end of the XXIst century are scary; we do not have the right to destroy the planet where the youngest among us as well as future generations shall live.

To see the cartoon on greenhouse gases, click here

To see the game on greenhouse gases, click here

To see the quiz on greenhouse gases, click here

© CyberDodo Productions