What causes the greenhouse effect and what exactly is it? How does the atmosphere allow the sun's radiation to pass through and inhibit the release of heat? In this article we discuss the greenhouse effect - interesting facts, ways to combat global warming, and the possible effects of increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
What is the greenhouse effect?
What is the greenhouse effect? The definition of the term is that the phenomenon is an increase in the Earth's temperature. Changes in temperature occur through the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The greenhouse effect is not the same as global warming - in fact it is the cause of it. This explains what the greenhouse effect is, but it does not explain how it actually occurs. It is therefore worth answering the question - how does the greenhouse effect come about?
The Earth's atmosphere surrounds the entire planet, acting as a kind of gateway through which the sun's rays are allowed to pass to the Earth. It raises the Earth's temperature and, as we know, warm air always escapes upwards. When heat passes through the atmosphere, it is partly blocked by the greenhouse gases present there. As more heat remains below the surface of the atmosphere, the Earth becomes warmer and warmer. The process of absorption of infrared radiation (of which the Earth's surface is the source) by greenhouse gases is lengthy and depends on the content of a particular gas in the atmosphere. Each gas absorbs infrared radiation to a different extent, and the amount of a particular substance in the Earth's atmosphere depends on this.
Greenhouse gases are the causal agent of the greenhouse effect. Their causes lie in human activities on Earth, as well as in natural phenomena. These gases include carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. They are created, for example, by industrial activities, transport, modern agriculture and many, many others.
The greenhouse effect and climate change
It is worth realising that the greenhouse effect itself is actually a positive phenomenon, as it affects the climate of the entire Earth and makes life on the surface of the planet possible. If it were not for the layer from the atmosphere and the gases that surround the entire Earth, the planet would be much colder - to the point where we would not be able to function on it. Unfortunately, as a result of intensive human activity, the accumulation of gases is so great that it blocks the space needed to expel heat out of the atmosphere. This is why we have global climate warming today.
Climate change and rising temperatures caused by human activity include melting glaciers, animal migrations, weather anomalies (floods, extreme heat) or rising sea and ocean levels. This has disastrous consequences for humans, as with successive heat waves, more and more people will be forced into so-called climate migration. In addition, due to the increase in temperature and the number of droughts, there will be shortages in drinking water and food supplies.
Can the greenhouse effect be stopped?
Both the greenhouse effect, its effects and climate change can be stopped. However, this requires massive mobilisation and commitment from virtually the whole world. To protect the Earth, it is worth starting with everyday activities. Greenhouse gases are caused, for example, by car exhausts. On the way to work or school it is therefore advisable to use bicycles and public transport. The decomposition of waste, especially plastic, also contributes to the problem by increasing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted. This can be prevented by avoiding plastic bags and other products (tubes, cutlery, etc.) and by segregating rubbish. Segregation allows plastic, glass or paper to be reused, so much less gas will escape into the atmosphere. 
Human diet has a huge role to play in halting the effects of the greenhouse effect. Consumption of animal products should be minimised as much as possible, because raising animals for meat, milk or cheese requires huge amounts of water consumption, and expanding farmland means that more and more producers are cutting down forests in order to develop land for new plants. Also, the use of artificial fertilisers on farms does not contribute positively to the atmosphere, so it is worth choosing products from local, organic farms. It is also worth raising the issue of energy, as coal used to insulate homes or coal-fired power stations produce huge amounts of greenhouse gases. Giving up coal is actually necessary. Possible alternatives to this raw material include heat pumps or photovoltaic panels.
What effects can the greenhouse effect have?
The greenhouse effect - the causes and consequences of the phenomenon discussed above are of course not all that can be said about greenhouse gas emissions. Among the consequences, drought plays a very large role, which not only brings with it water shortages, but also affects soil fertility. A disruption in the fertility of the land will contribute to a reduction in the amount of crops received and, consequently, food. In addition to the floods and heat waves mentioned earlier, the increasingly frequent very gusty winds are also proving dangerous.
Everyday life and the greenhouse effect, or what can we do?
Our lifestyle has a significant impact on the greenhouse effect. It is already known how much of a role a diet limiting animal products, taking care to minimise the amount of plastic we use or separating our rubbish plays.
The greenhouse effect, the pattern of how it works and the potential methods of how to prevent it are quite understandable. The most important thing at the moment is for all people to understand as much as possible that human activity is having a negative impact on the climate and significantly affects everyone's future. Fight for the well-being of your planet!
