The formation of the greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that makes life on Earth possible. However, through the excessive accumulation of so-called greenhouse gases, the effect is exacerbated. Want to find out what the greenhouse effect is? Find out how the greenhouse effect is created and the consequences of its increase.
What is the greenhouse effect caused by?
At the outset, it is worth answering the question: is the greenhouse effect a natural phenomenon? Well, of course it is. It is essential to the functioning of living organisms on Earth. What is it? The natural greenhouse effect, according to general definitions, is the phenomenon of an increase in the surface temperature of the planet as a result of solar radiation being retained within the atmosphere. The atmosphere plays a key role in this process. Without it, the average temperature on Earth would be -18°C. The mechanism of the greenhouse effect makes it 33°C higher at 15°C.
What is the greenhouse effect? The sun sends out solar radiation and when it reaches the Earth's surface, it is partly absorbed. This raises the temperature of the soil and of the seas and oceans. Some of these solar rays are reflected. However, the atmosphere forms a barrier that accumulates the remaining solar rays. It is this phenomenon that is referred to as the greenhouse effect. When other gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, hydrocarbons, CFCs or nitrogen oxides enter the atmosphere, the effect is amplified and begins to have a negative impact on the environment.
The greenhouse effect - how does it affect the environment?
It is already known how the greenhouse effect is created, so it is worth finding out how it affects the planet. To begin with, however, it should be mentioned that the greenhouse effect is not the same as global warming. Global warming is the result of an excessive concentration of gases in the atmosphere and thus an increase in the greenhouse effect, which causes the Earth's temperature to rise. It is estimated to be 1.5°C higher today compared to late 19th century figures. This may not seem like much, but it is important to remember that this is an averaged result. Some regions of the world, such as Africa and Europe, are heating up much more strongly.
This seemingly small increase in temperature is causing major climate changes that can result in threats to health and life on Earth. These include:
- Melting of glaciers and ice sheets (permafrost),
- an increase in the temperature of ocean water and its increased evaporation,
- Increased cloud cover and weather anomalies.
It is worth mentioning that global climate change has already occurred over the centuries. However, the current situation is exacerbated by human activities and excessive greenhouse gas emissions. And global warming is not only affecting the environment, but also an economic sector such as agriculture. 
The greenhouse effect - impact on global agriculture
Agriculture is the economic sector that both contributes to and suffers the greatest damage from global warming. Industrial animal husbandry means that in some parts of the world, tracts of forest are being cut down in favour of livestock fields, and the animals themselves produce a considerable amount of gases (including methane), mainly through their digestive processes.
However, agriculture is the basis of nutrition, so it is difficult to reduce these emissions. In order to slow down at least a little what is causing the greenhouse effect too much, food consumption must be reduced, mainly meat and dairy products, as these leave the largest carbon footprint in the industry.
However, agriculture itself is also affected by global warming. Changes in temperatures affect the growing season, and prolonged droughts are capable of destroying the fruits of farmers' labour. Added to this are weather anomalies such as floods and storms, which for obvious reasons also negatively affect agriculture.
Within Europe, the situation may worsen in the southern countries, mainly due to record high temperatures. On the other hand, in the northern part of the continent, areas suitable for crop and livestock farming may expand. However, yields are estimated to have decreased by around 6-21%. The situation is similar in southern Africa and Australia, as well as in parts of the United States.
What causes the greenhouse effect? Human activity
Man contributes significantly to the generation of excessive concentrations of greenhouse gases. These do not just come from agriculture, but from practically every activity he undertakes. Industry, energy, transport and unrestrained consumption also have an impact. What exactly causes the greenhouse effect?
- Transport - this industry is responsible for about ¼ of the world's carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. It concerns not only logistics and the transport of goods, but also tourism (increased number of cars, flying in private planes, etc.).
- Industry and electricity production - as the world's energy still mainly comes from fossil fuels such as coal and oil, any production and extraction of raw materials emits large amounts of greenhouse gases.
- Households - heating rooms and cooking meals also requires the use of electricity from fossil fuels. Worldwide, this is estimated to generate around 30 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions.
An important determinant that shows how damaging a product or person's actions are to the environment is the carbon footprint. It illustrates how much carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere through everyday activities such as commuting, shopping or even watching TV. The carbon footprint is particularly visible in the transport sector, which is why InPost, by investing in an ECO fleet, is trying to reduce it as much as possible. At the end of 2021, the company added 250 new electric cars to its fleet. 
Long-term consequences of the greenhouse effect
On a day-to-day basis, the direct effects of the increased greenhouse effect may not be felt, but in the long term they have serious consequences. The melting of glaciers and ice sheets contributes to rising water and ocean levels. This in turn can lead to numerous floods. Islands or areas on the coasts are particularly prone to flooding. Long-term droughts are detrimental not only to agriculture, but to the entire environment. They reduce water resources, thus changing the local flora. This, in turn, has a direct impact on the lives of many animal species, which will struggle to find food. Climate change will mean that all of nature will have to adapt to it, and those species that cannot, will simply become extinct.
Excessive evaporation of water means that fertile areas will lose their value and turn into desert areas. Droughts, floods and natural disasters will, in the long run, lead to food problems for humans as well. There will therefore be problems of crop failure and famine. Diseases that develop in a climate with high temperatures will also be an additional problem. The final consequence of the greenhouse effect will be a shift of climate zones towards the poles.
The greenhouse effect - can it be reversed?
Unfortunately, where there is a greenhouse effect, nothing can be done to stop it. The first reason is the very fact that it is an entirely natural phenomenon, independent of human action. The second is related to the mechanism of action. Global warming is like a snowball falling down a slope - it cannot be stopped and is increasing all the time. In the case of climate change, the only thing that can be done is to reduce current emissions and minimise its negative effects.
In this context, the impact of volcanoes on the greenhouse effect is also a frequently discussed topic. After all, their eruptions cause numerous gases and water vapour to enter the atmosphere. However, smaller eruptions have little effect on global warming. In contrast, the larger ones, paradoxically, can lead to temporary cooling. The dust particles that form the large cloud restrict the entry of the sun's rays, so that the Earth's surface temperature can drop by up to 0.5°C. This is, unfortunately, a short-lived consequence, so it cannot be considered to be working to reduce what causes the greenhouse effect. 
How to reduce the impact of the greenhouse effect?
More and more people around the world are becoming realistically concerned about climate change. Therefore, pro-environmental movements and actions to reduce environmental damage are more frequent. In order to reduce the effects of global warming, what causes the greenhouse effect must be minimised.
It is not private individuals but large industrial, manufacturing and production corporations that are responsible for the largest greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and mineral exploitation. As mentioned earlier, the agricultural sector also plays a large role here. Therefore, these companies, under the influence of local authorities or organisations such as the European Union, for example, should lead the way in reducing their harmful impact on the environment.
Methane is considered to be the most harmful substance, as it absorbs far more sunlight than water vapour, for example. It is produced from waste, fertilisers, etc., so proper waste management is important in this context. What other measures are worth highlighting?
- Responsible use of water.
- Betting on electric transport.
- Use of new technologies that will ensure a cleaner industry.
- Use of renewable energy.
- Creating green spaces in cities.
- Optimising the work of the CHP plant.
- Rational forest management.
As an ordinary, statistical citizen, how do you stop the greenhouse effect (or rather its excessive scale)? The question often arises as to whether anything can be done at all, given that the most damage is caused by large manufacturing corporations? However, everyone leaves behind the aforementioned carbon footprint and it is this that needs to be worked on.
Above all, it is worth betting on sustainable purchasing. Over-consumption is not only related to the production of goods themselves, but also to waste management, transport, etc. It is also worth using public transport and separating waste. In households, it is good practice for the climate to use central heating and to use thermal insulation.
You already know what the greenhouse effect is and why it is closely linked to global warming. It is a natural phenomenon, but amplified by human action.
