chemistry of the atmosphere

what forms of human activity increase the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere ?

deforestation - fewer trees means less CO2 is removed from the atmosphere by photosynthesis

burning fossil fuels - carbon that was locked up as these fuels are released as these fuels

agriculture - more farm animals produce more methane through their digestive processes

consequances of climate change

higher global temperatures are causing the polar ice caps to melt causing sea levels to rise. If sea levels keep rising then there will be more flooding

The frequency and severity of storms will increase

changes in rainfall patterns will cause regions to get too much or too little water

describe the greenhouse effect and how it affects global temp

The sun gives out short wavelength radiation which is reflected back by the earth as thermal radiation. The thermal radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases give out thermal radiation in all directions including back towards the earth causing temperatures to rise

what is carbon footprint

a measure of the amount of co2 and other greenhouse gases released over the full cycle of something.

what are ways to reduce carbon footprint

renewable energy can be used instead of fuels

using more efficient processes could conserve energy and cut waste

governments could tax companies based on the amount of greenhouse gases they emit. they can also put a cap on the emissions of all green house gases that companies make.

why is it difficult to reduce carbon footpring

Governments are worried that it will impact the economic growth of communities which could be bad for peoples wellbeing

not everyone being on board can make it hard to make international agreements