Topic 5.2: The Greenhouse Effect by: Josh Doege
Carbon Cycle: Relationship between rising concentrations of Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Oxides of Nitrogen and the enhanced Greenhouse Effect: The sun emits ultraviolet radiation, which hits the earth. For the most part, the earth’s atmosphere reflects this radiation back as infared radiation, but some of it (the infared) is absorbed by greenhouse gasses and reflected back into the earth. This causes an increase in the earth’s temperature. Note: the greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon. Some of the gasses involved are methane and oxides of nitrogen. Additionally the ultraviolet radiation is short waved while the reflected infared is longer waved. Precautionary Principle: The precautionary principle holds that, if the effects of a human-induced change would be very large, perhaps catastrophic, those responsible for the change must prove that it will not do harm before proceeding. This is the reverse of the normal situation, where those who are concerned about the change would have to prove that it will do harm in order to prevent such changes going ahead. Pros and Cons of Precautionary Principle used as justification for strong action in response to threats involving the greenhouse effect: Pros: Our future would be green, opportunities for economic growth with green technology, more jobs, new companies and industries, healthier environment, and protecting species. Cons: unemployment, oil industries hit hard economically, and stock market falling.
Changes in Concentration of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide:
Consequences of global temperature rise: -There would be a large loss of habitat -Increase in CO2足 concentration and therefore further greenhouse effect -Increase in sea level -As the result of higher CO2, more photosynthesis
Al Gore