Explain the term global warming. What are the sources of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

Global Warming:

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat radiated from the Earth's surface, leading to a gradual rise in global temperatures.

Sources of Greenhouse Gases:

1. Fossil Fuel Combustion:

   • Burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. CO₂ is a major contributor to global warming.
   • The transportation, industrial, and power generation sectors are the primary sources of fossil fuel emissions.

2. Deforestation:

   • The clearing of forests, primarily for agriculture and development, reduces the Earth's capacity to absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis. Trees are natural carbon sinks that remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and store it in their biomass.
   • Deforestation also releases large amounts of CO₂ when trees are burned or decompose.

3. Agriculture:

   • Certain agricultural practices, such as the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers and the raising of livestock, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
   • Nitrogen-based fertilizers release nitrous oxide (N₂O), a potent greenhouse gas, while livestock, particularly cattle, produce significant amounts of methane (CH₄) during digestion.

4. Industrial Processes:

   • Industrial activities, such as cement production, steel manufacturing, and the production of chemicals, emit greenhouse gases as byproducts.
   • These processes release various gases, including CO₂, CH₄, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases.

5. Landfills and Waste Disposal:

   • Landfills and waste disposal sites generate methane and CO₂ due to the decomposition of organic matter.
   • Methane is a particularly potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential 25 times higher than CO₂ over a 100-year period.

6. Natural Sources:

   • Natural processes, such as volcanic eruptions and the decay of organic matter, also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
   • However, these natural sources are often balanced by natural carbon sinks, such as forests and oceans, which absorb greenhouse gases.

These sources of greenhouse gases collectively contribute to the accumulation of these gases in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and its associated impacts, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changes in ecosystems.