Earth's Atmosphere and climate change

Early Atmosphere Composition

Carbon dioxide (96%), nitrogen (3%), and other gases (1%).

Role of Volcanoes in Atmosphere Formation

They released carbon dioxide, nitrogen, methane, and ammonia.

Formation of Oceans

Water vapor condensed to form liquid water, creating oceans.

Effect of Oceans on Carbon Dioxide Levels

CO₂ dissolved in oceans, forming carbonates that precipitated into sediments.

Role of Green Plants and Algae in Atmosphere Evolution

They used CO₂ for photosynthesis and released oxygen.

Photosynthesis Reaction

CO₂ + H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂

Formation of Sedimentary Rocks and Fossil Fuels

They locked away CO₂, reducing its levels over time.

Current Atmospheric Composition

Nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), argon (0.9%), and carbon dioxide (0.03%).

Greenhouse Gases

Carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and water vapor (H₂O).

Greenhouse Effect Process

Infrared radiation from Earth is absorbed by greenhouse gases, warming the planet.

Human Activities Increasing CO₂

Burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

Human Activities Increasing Methane

Cattle farming, rice paddies, and landfill waste.

Effects of Climate Change

Rising sea levels, droughts, extreme weather, and changes in wildlife distribution.

Why Some People Deny Climate Change

Complex models, simplified interpretations, media bias, and lack of peer-reviewed evidence.

Carbon Footprint Definition

The total amount of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases emitted over a product's lifecycle.

Ways to Reduce Carbon Footprint

Use less fossil fuels, carbon capture and storage, eat less meat, reduce food waste to landfill.

what are the Atmospheric Pollutants from Fossil Fuels

CO₂, water vapor, CO (carbon monoxide), solid particulates, sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ).

Carbon Dioxide Pollutant Effect

Causes global warming.

Carbon Monoxide Pollutant Effect

Poisonous gas that reduces oxygen transport in blood.

Solid Particulates Pollutant Effect

Contribute to global dimming and asthma.

Sulfur Dioxide Pollutant Effect

Causes acid rain and respiratory problems.

Nitrous Oxides Pollutant Effect

Cause acid rain and respiratory issues.

How Does Global Warming Occur?

Excess greenhouse gases trap too much heat, raising Earth's temperature.

What Is Global Dimming?

Airborne particulates reflect sunlight away, reducing global temperatures.

The Greenhouse Effect Process

1. Sunlight reaches Earth - Shortwave radiation passes through the atmosphere and warms the surface. 2. Earth absorbs and emits heat - The planet radiates infrared (longwave) radiation back toward the atmosphere. 3. Greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation - Gases like CO₂, CH₄, and H₂O trap heat energy. 4. Heat is re-radiated - Some of the absorbed heat is sent back down, warming the Earth further. 5. Atmospheric heat retention - The trapped heat maintains a stable climate, but excess greenhouse gases increase global temperatures, leading to climate change.

Why Is Carbon Capture Important?

It prevents CO₂ emissions from entering the atmosphere.

Formation of Acid Rain

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) react with water in clouds to form acidic precipitation.

Ways to Reduce Acid Rain

Using low-sulfur fuels, installing pollution filters, and reducing SO₂ emissions.

Impact of Deforestation on Atmosphere

It decreases oxygen production and increases CO₂ levels.

Role of Peatlands in Carbon Storage

They store large amounts of CO₂, preventing its release into the atmosphere.

How Renewable Energy Helps Reduce CO₂

They generate power without releasing greenhouse gases.

Importance of Peer-Reviewed Research in Climate Science

It ensures accuracy, credibility, and unbiased scientific conclusions.

Difference Between Weather and Climate

Weather describes short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate refers to long-term patterns.

What Is the Carbon Cycle?

The carbon cycle describes the continuous movement of carbon among the atmosphere, land, ocean, and living things.

Carbon Cycle

The movement of carbon through the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms.

Methane Emissions from Landfills

Organic waste decomposes anaerobically, producing methane.

Electric Vehicles and Emissions

They don't burn fossil fuels, resulting in lower CO₂ emissions.

Biofuels

Renewable fuels made from organic matter that emit fewer greenhouse gases than fossil fuels.

Ocean Acidification

CO₂ dissolving in seawater lowers pH levels, harming marine ecosystems like coral reefs.

Melting Ice and Sea Levels

It increases global sea levels, leading to coastal flooding and habitat loss.

Wildfires and Carbon Emissions

They release large amounts of CO₂ into the atmosphere.

The Paris Agreement

An international treaty aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

Droughts and Climate Change

Higher temperatures cause decreased rainfall, leading to more frequent droughts.

Extreme Weather Events

Warmer oceans fuel stronger, more destructive storms.

Food Production and Climate Change

It produces methane from livestock and CO₂ emissions from transportation.

Recycling and Carbon Emissions

It reduces waste, lowers manufacturing energy use, and cuts CO₂ emissions.

Energy Efficiency in Homes

Better insulation, LED lighting, and energy-efficient appliances.

Ocean Circulation and Climate Regulation

It moves warm and cold water around the planet, regulating global temperatures.

Long-Term Risks of Climate Change

Food shortages, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss.

Arctic Ice Loss

It leads to habitat destruction and accelerates global temperature rise.

Government Policies on Climate Change

Carbon taxation, emission regulations, and subsidies for renewable energy.

Personal Actions to Reduce Carbon Footprint

Use public transport, eat sustainably, and reduce electricity consumption.