The Greenhouse Effect

The "greenhouse effect" is the rise of temperature in the planet caused by the action of a
certain group of gases that absorb infrared radiation, causing the surface of the earth and
the lower part of the atmospheric layer that surround it to warm up. It is thanks to this
greenhouse effect that life on Earth is possible. The greenhouse effect is not "bad", but it is
increasing progressively.

Gases of the greenhouse effect

The greenhouse gases, responsible for the effect described, are:
 Water vapor (H2O)
Water vapor (H2O) is the largest contributor to the natural greenhouse effect and is
the one that is most directly linked to climate. This is because evaporation depends
strongly on the temperature of the surface and because water vapor crosses the
atmosphere in very fast cycles.

 Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Carbon dioxide (CO2) contributes to the Earth having a habitable temperature, if its
concentration is maintained within a certain interval. Without carbon dioxide, the
Earth would be a block of ice, but an excess prevents the escape of heat into space
and causes excessive heating of the planet.

 Methane (CH4)
It is a substance that occurs in the form of gas at ordinary temperatures and
pressures. 60% of its emissions worldwide are of anthropogenic origin.

 Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

Nitrogen oxides (NOX) are compound nitrogen and oxygen gases that are formed in
combustion with excess oxygen and high temperatures.

 Ozone (O3)
Ozone (O3), known for the important role it plays in the atmosphere. Stratospheric
ozone acts as a filter that does not let harmful UV radiation pass to the surface of
the earth. However, if ozone is present in the troposphere, it can cause vegetation
damage.

 Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCartificial)
Chlorofluorocarbons are derived from hydrocarbons and, due to their high
physicochemical stability, have been most used as coolants, extinguishing agents
and propellants for aerosols.

While all of them (except CFCs) are natural. The characteristics of these greenhouse
gases is that they retain heat, so that the more concentration of these gases in the
atmosphere, the less heat can escape.

Everything is aggravated by the existence of other human activities, such as deforestation,

which have limited the regenerative capacity of the atmosphere to eliminate carbon
dioxide.
Consequences of the greenhouse effect increase
The consequences that can cause the greenhouse effect are:
 The increase in the average temperature of the planet.
 The increase of droughts in some zones and floods in others.
 A greater frequency of hurricane formation.
 The progressive melting of the polar ice caps, with the consequent rise in ocean
levels.
 An increase in precipitation at the planetary level.
 Increase in the number of hot days, translated into heat waves.
 Destruction of ecosystems.

How to decrease the greenhouse effect?

 Use public transport, bike or your feet instead of the car whenever you can.
 If you have not done so, change your bulbs for savers.
 Check your tire pressure once a month to optimize gas mileage.
 Recycle and reuse.
 Plant endemic trees. Do not just go reforesting. Make sure the trees correspond to
the territory. A tree captures the carbon of the atmosphere and can eliminate
between 350 and 3,500 kilos of carbon during its life.
 Purchase renewable energy