Write short notes on any two of the following: a) Global warming b) Ozone layer depletion c) Acid rain d) Green House Effect


Q.) Write short notes on any two of the following: a) Global warming b) Ozone layer depletion c) Acid rain d) Green House Effect

Subject: Energy and Environment

a) Global Warming:

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature, primarily due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat radiated from the Earth's surface, leading to a phenomenon known as the "greenhouse effect."

Key Points:

  • Enhanced Greenhouse Effect: Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, have significantly elevated the levels of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).

  • Rising Temperatures: The Earth's average temperature has increased by approximately 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) since the late 19th century, and the rate of warming has accelerated in recent decades.

  • Impacts on Climate: Global warming has far-reaching effects on the global climate system, including altered precipitation patterns, more frequent and intense extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and changes in ecosystems.

  • Mitigation and Adaptation: Addressing global warming requires both mitigation strategies, such as reducing GHG emissions, and adaptation measures to cope with the impacts of climate change that are already occurring.

b) Green House Effect:

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that plays a crucial role in maintaining Earth's temperature suitable for life. Certain gases present in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor, absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, creating a "greenhouse" effect that traps heat.

Key Points:

  • Natural Greenhouse Effect: The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that helps regulate Earth's temperature by retaining heat radiated from the Earth's surface. This natural process is essential for维持ng a habitable temperature range.

  • Enhanced Greenhouse Effect: Human activities have significantly increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect. This phenomenon is primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.

  • Radiative Forcing: The increase in greenhouse gases leads to radiative forcing, which is the imbalance between incoming and outgoing energy at the top of Earth's atmosphere. This imbalance causes a gradual increase in Earth's average temperature.

  • Climate Change: The enhanced greenhouse effect is a major driver of global climate change, contributing to rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and more frequent and intense extreme weather events.