Grade 10 AP Science - Climate - The Greenhouse Effect and how to Reduce CO2 Emissions

What is the greenhouse effect

-A natural process where gases in the atmosphere absorb infrared radiation that has been released by clouds, the atmosphere, and the Earth’s surface

-It heats up the Earth’s surface

-Without it, the Earth’s average temperature would be -18C, with it, the Earth’s average temperature is 15C

-Main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, water vapour, and methane gas

-Some greenhouse gases have increased in the atmosphere beyond the quantities that would be present without human influence: these additional human produced gases are called “Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gases”

How can you reduce CO2 emissions from producing and using energy

• Turn lights off when they aren’t being used

• Unplug appliances when they aren’t being used

• Increase the use of renewable energy sources

How can you reduce CO2 emissions from transportation

• Use public transportation or carpooling

• Switch to electric or hybrid vehicles

• Walk or bike for short trips

How to reduce CO2 emissions from fugitive emissions

• Use renewable energy sources

• Use less fossil fuels

How to reduce CO2 emissions from agriculture

• Make an efficient use of tractors

• Using renewable energy sources on farms

• Reducing food waste and loss

How to reduce CO2 emissions from industrial processes

• Implement energy-efficient technologies

• Use renewable energy sources

• Reduce waste and increase recycling

• Use sustainable materials

How to reduce CO2 emissions by managing waste

• Recycle

• Compost

How to reduce CO2 emissions from agriculture

• Cut down less trees

• Re-plant trees after cutting them down