How is the Greenhouse Effect related to Global Warming?

Global warming is closely related to the greenhouse effect and it is the crucial issue facing the world in the 21st century. In the last 5 decades, the average global temperature of the earth’s surface has been increased at a very rapid rate.  The term global warming refers to the increase in the average temperature of the earth’s surface and it also causes a change in the pattern of climate.

Greenhouse gases are the primary factors responsible for the greenhouse effect and it is closely related to global warming. There are six main greenhouse gases causing the greenhouse effect such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) & water vapour. Both natural and human activities contribute to global warming. The presence of greenhouse gases especially CO2 is the prime factor behind the increase of earth’s temperature.

Relation of the Greenhouse effect with Global Warming

The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that maintains the temperature of the earth’s surface. This process is very crucial for the survival of human beings on earth. The several steps involved in this natural process are as follows.

The natural process of the greenhouse effect is explained below 

When the rays of the sun reach the earth, then some of the solar energy is absorbed by the earth and the rest is reflected back to the atmosphere by the earth. The energy reached the earth is absorbed by the land and oceans causing the heating of the earth. Greenhouse gases are present in the atmosphere. When the earth reflects the energy of the sun, then these gases absorb some energy and are reflected back to the earth while the remaining energy returns back to space. Greenhouse gases trap some heat into the atmosphere keeping the earth warm enough to sustain life. Hence this activity is very important for the survival of human beings on earth. This natural activity has no impact on global warming.

The Human enhanced process of the greenhouse effect is explained below 

The natural process of the greenhouse effect is affected by human activities especially the burning of fossil fuels, agriculture, and land clearing. These activities increase the thickness or concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.  The increased thickness of greenhouse gases causing more and more sunlight to radiate back to the earth’s surface and warming the temperature of the earth’s surface above the normal temperature. This factor plays a very significant role in climate change or global warming.

Factors responsible for global warming

The human-enhanced Greenhouse effect is responsible for global warming. Human activities are mainly responsible for global warming although there are few natural activities also contributing to global warming.

•   Human activities include activities such as deforestation, farming, excessive use of chemicals, burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity or for transportation, etc. are the primary factors contributing to global warming.

•   Natural activities include aerosols from periodic volcanic eruptions, dust, and salt spray; natural carbon cycle processes etc.

Solutions for global warming

Human activities play a major role in disturbing the natural process of the greenhouse effect and hence mainly contributing to global warming.  Carbon dioxide is the main enemy of the climate and our goal is simple i.e. minimize the emissions of carbon dioxide as low as possible.

There are several easy and effective ways that we all can perform and make a difference. We have summarized a few of them below.

✔ The burning of fossil fuels contributes to the emissions of greenhouse gases. Minimize the emissions as low as possible and use renewable sources of energy like solar energy, wind energy, tidal energy, etc.  Renewable energy sources have the potential to meet the requirements of energy hence by deploying renewable sources, the problem of global warming can be solved to a great extent.

✔ Avoid deforestation and plant the trees as much as possible. Trees absorb carbon dioxide.

✔ The energy used to power our homes, businesses, and industries is another major contributor to global warming. Use energy-efficient appliances at home or office. Also, unplug the devices in case of no use. By adopting this approach, we can save both energy and money.

✔ The greenhouse effect is closed related to global warming and emissions from the transportation sectors especially carbon dioxide due to the burning of fossil fuels have increased at a faster rate. Varieties of solutions like switching to low-carbon fuels and deploy more public transportation systems in the nation etc. The use of energy-efficient vehicles like the electric car or use public transport will solve the problem of global warming to a large extent.


Thanks for reading our article. Kindly suggest more ways in the comment section to solve the problem of global warming.

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