Our Changing Atmosphere
The purpose of this essay is to consider the current environmental issues of an enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming with particular reference to the changes that are taking place in response to Greenhouse Gases interacting with the atmosphere and the effects these changes are having on naturally occurring reactions and processes that impact on our planet and our way of life. The aim of the essay is to examine the evidence available to support and refute current claims of imminent threats to life on our planet and a need to actively respond now. Global Warming is an imminent occurrence that society faces on a daily basis; the effects of an increasing number of fossil fuels means that there is an increasing amount of CO2 being emitted compared to O2 which is slowly affecting the air not only humans but plants and animals breath on Earth. The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface. When the Sun’s energy reaches the Earth’s atmosphere, some of it is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases. These greenhouse gases are polluting the Earth’s atmosphere and are one of the many reasons why the Earth has an increasing surface temperature.
Carbon Dioxide or C02 is a by-product of the combustion or burning of fossil fuels such as coal and oil, it is present at the highest concentration out of the Greenhouse Gases in our atmosphere (Kreger C, November 2004). Based on 1990 concentrations, carbon dioxide is said to be responsible for almost 60% of the total greenhouse effect. Its concentration is increasing in the atmosphere due in large part to the extensive burning of coal and other fossil fuels for energy production (EPA, 2014).
The Chemical process of combustion can be showed by 6 O2 + C6H12O6 --------> 6 H2O + 6 CO2 + energy (Kreger C, November 2004).
Methane or CH4 is present in the atmosphere at less than 1% the levels of carbon dioxide, however it is 25 times more efficient as a
Carbon Dioxide or C02 is a by-product of the combustion or burning of fossil fuels such as coal and oil, it is present at the highest concentration out of the Greenhouse Gases in our atmosphere (Kreger C, November 2004). Based on 1990 concentrations, carbon dioxide is said to be responsible for almost 60% of the total greenhouse effect. Its concentration is increasing in the atmosphere due in large part to the extensive burning of coal and other fossil fuels for energy production (EPA, 2014).
The Chemical process of combustion can be showed by 6 O2 + C6H12O6 --------> 6 H2O + 6 CO2 + energy (Kreger C, November 2004).
Methane or CH4 is present in the atmosphere at less than 1% the levels of carbon dioxide, however it is 25 times more efficient as a
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