Deforestation, the pace of industrial development lead to the accumulation of harmful gases in the layers of the atmosphere, which create a shell and prevent the release of excess heat into space.
Ecological catastrophe or natural process?
The process of temperature rise is considered by many scientists to be a global environmental problem, which, in the absence of control over anthropogenic influence on the atmosphere, can lead to irreversible consequences. It is believed that the first who discovered the existence of the greenhouse effect and studied the principles of its action was Joseph Fourier. In his research, the scientist considered various factors and mechanisms that affect climate formation. He studied the state of the planet's heat balance, determined the mechanisms of its influence on the average annual temperatures on the surface. It turned out that one of the main roles in this process is played by greenhouse gases. Infrared rays linger on the surface of the Earth, which is their effect on the heat balance. The causes and consequences of the greenhouse effect will be described below.
The essence and principle of the greenhouse effect
An increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to an increase in the degree of penetration of short-wave solar radiation to the surface of the planet, while a barrier is formed that prevents the release of long-wave thermal radiation of our planet into outer space. Why is this barrier dangerous? Thermal radiation, which lingers in the lower spheres of the atmosphere, leads to an increase in the ambient temperature, which negatively affects the ecological situation and leads to irreversible consequences.
The essence of the greenhouse effect can also be considered as the cause of global warming caused by a violation of the thermal balance of the planet. The mechanism of the greenhouse effect is associated with emissions of industrial gases into the atmosphere. However, deforestation, car emissions, forest fires, and the use of thermal power plants to generate energy should be added to the negative impact of industry. The impact of deforestation on global warming and the greenhouse effect is due to the fact that it is trees that actively absorb carbon dioxide and the reduction in their area leads to an increase in the concentration of harmful gases in the atmosphere.
Ozone shield status
The reduction of forest area, together with large volumes of emissions of harmful gases, leads to the problem of ozone depletion. Scientists constantly analyze the state of the ozone ball and their conclusions are disappointing. If the current levels of emissions and deforestation continue, humanity will face the fact that the ozone layer will no longer be able to adequately protect the planet from the effects of solar radiation. The danger of these processes is caused by the fact that it will lead to a significant increase in ambient temperature, desertification of territories, and an acute shortage of drinking water and food. A diagram of the state of the ozone ball, the presence and location of holes can be found on many sites.
The state of the ozone screen worries environmental scientists. Ozone is the same oxygen, but with a different triatomic model. Without oxygen, living organisms will not be able to breathe, but without the ozone ball, the planet will turn into a lifeless desert. The power of this transformation can be imagined by looking at the Moon or Mars. The depletion of the ozone shield under the influence of anthropogenic factors can lead to the appearance of ozone holes. The advantages of the ozone screen are also that it beats off harmful ultraviolet radiation. Cons - it is extremely fragile and too many factors lead to its destruction, and the restoration of characteristics is very slow.
Examples of how ozone depletion affects living organisms can be given at length. Scientists have noted that recently the number of cases of skin cancer has become more frequent. It has been established that it is ultraviolet rays that contribute to the development of this disease. The second example is the extinction of plankton in the upper layers of the ocean in a number of regions of the planet. This leads to the fact that the food chain is disturbed, after the disappearance of plankton, many species of fish and marine mammals may disappear. It is not difficult to imagine how this system works. It is important to understand what the results will be if measures are not taken to reduce the anthropogenic impact on ecosystems. Or is it all a myth? Maybe nothing threatens life on the planet? Let's figure it out.
Anthropogenic greenhouse effect
The greenhouse effect occurs as a result of the impact of human activities on the surrounding ecosystems. The natural temperature balance on the planet is disturbed, more heat is retained under the influence of a shell of greenhouse gases, which leads to an increase in temperature on the surface of the Earth and ocean waters. The main reason leading to the emergence of the greenhouse effect is the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere as a result of the work of industrial enterprises, vehicle emissions, fires and other harmful factors. In addition to disturbing the thermal balance of the planet, global warming, this causes pollution of the air we breathe and the water we drink. As a consequence, we are waiting for disease and a general reduction in life expectancy.
Consider which gases cause the greenhouse effect:
- carbon dioxide;
- water vapor;
- ozone;
- methane.
It is carbon dioxide and water vapor that are considered to be the most dangerous substances that lead to the greenhouse effect. The content of methane, ozone and freon in the atmosphere also affect the climate balance, which is due to their chemical composition, but their influence at the moment is not so serious. The gases that cause ozone holes, among other things, cause health problems. They contain substances that cause allergic reactions and respiratory diseases.
Sources of harmful gases are, first of all, industrial and automobile emissions. However, many scientists are inclined to believe that the greenhouse effect is also associated with the activity of volcanoes. Gases create a specific shell, which is why a cloud of steam and ash is formed, which, depending on the direction of the wind, can pollute large areas.
How to deal with the greenhouse effect?
According to ecologists and other scientists who deal with issues related to the conservation of biodiversity, climate change, reducing human impact on the environment, it will not be possible to completely prevent the implementation of negative scenarios for the development of mankind, but it is possible to reduce the number of irreversible consequences of industry and man on ecosystems. For this reason, many countries introduce fees for the emission of harmful gases, introduce environmental standards into production, and develop options for how to reduce the destructive impact of humans on nature. However, the global problem lies in the different levels of development of countries, in their attitude to social and environmental responsibility.
Ways to solve the problem of accumulation of harmful substances in the atmosphere:
- cessation of deforestation, especially in equatorial and tropical latitudes;
- transition to electric vehicles. They are more environmentally friendly than conventional machines and do not pollute the environment;
- development of alternative energy. The transition from thermal power plants to solar, wind and hydroelectric power plants will not only reduce the amount of emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere, but also reduce the use of non-renewable natural resources;
- introduction of energy-saving technologies;
- development of new low-carbon technologies;
- fighting forest fires, preventing their occurrence, establishing tough measures for violators;
- tightening of environmental legislation.
It is worth noting that it is impossible to compensate for the damage that humanity has already caused to the environment and fully restore ecosystems. For this reason, one should think about the active implementation of actions aimed at reducing the consequences of anthropogenic impact. All decisions must be comprehensive and global. At this point in time, this is hindered by an imbalance in the level of development, life and education of rich and poor countries.
Greenhouse gases are gases that block infrared rays that heat the Earth's surface and atmosphere. The most important greenhouse gases are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, freons. Greenhouse gases can be of natural (natural) and anthropogenic origin. Accordingly, one should distinguish between the natural greenhouse effect and the contribution to the greenhouse effect due to gases released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main anthropogenic greenhouse gas. About 80% of carbon dioxide is formed as a result of burning fossil fuels, the rest comes from deforestation, primarily tropical. Nitric oxide (N20) is produced by burning fossil fuels, biomass, fertilizers.[ ...]
GREENHOUSE EFFECT (GREENHOUSE EFFECT) - climate warming on Earth as a result of an increase in the content of dust, carbon dioxide, methane and fluoro-chlorohydrocarbon compounds of technical origin (fuel combustion, industrial emissions, etc.) in the surface layer of the atmosphere, which prevent long-wave thermal radiation from the surface of the earth. The mixture of dust and gases acts like a polyethylene film over a greenhouse: it transmits sunlight well to the soil surface, but retains the heat dissipated by the soil - as a result, a warm microclimate is created under the film.[ ...]
The greenhouse effect is as follows; carbon dioxide contributes to the penetration of the short-wave radiation of the Sun to the Earth, and the long-wave thermal radiation of the Earth is delayed. The result is a prolonged heating of the atmosphere.[ ...]
Greenhouse effect - heating of the surface layer of the atmosphere, caused by the absorption of long-wave (thermal) radiation of the earth's surface. The main reason for this process is the enrichment of the atmosphere with gases that absorb thermal radiation. The most important role here is played by the increase in the content of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere.[ ...]
The greenhouse effect is a decrease in the thermal radiation of the Earth due to an increase in the content of carbon dioxide in its atmosphere. Carbon dioxide freely passes short-wave solar radiation, but delays heat rays coming from the heated earth's surface. An increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide leads to a violation of the energy balance of the planet and its overheating.[ ...]
The greenhouse effect is understood as a possible increase in the global temperature of the planet as a result of changes in the heat balance, due to the gradual accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.[ ...]
The essence of the greenhouse effect is as follows. The sun's rays penetrate through the earth's atmosphere to the earth's surface. However, the accumulation of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, methane, water vapor, fluorochlorine hydrocarbons (freons) in the atmosphere leads to the fact that the thermal long-wave radiation of the Earth is absorbed by the atmosphere. This leads to the accumulation of excess heat in the surface layer of air, i.e., the heat balance of the planet is disturbed. Such an effect is similar to that which we observe in greenhouses covered with glass or film. As a result, the air temperature at the earth's surface may increase.[ ...]
The main greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide (Table 7.5). Its contribution to the greenhouse effect, according to various sources, ranges from 50 to 65%. Other greenhouse gases include methane (about 20%), nitrogen oxides (about 5%), ozone, freons (chlorofluorocarbons) and other gases (about 10-25% of the greenhouse effect). In total, about 30 greenhouse gases are known, their warming effect depends not only on the amount in the atmosphere, but also on the relative activity of the action per molecule. If, according to this indicator, CO2 is taken as a unit, then for methane it will be equal to 25, for nitrogen oxides - 165, and for freon - 11000.[ ...]
GREENHOUSE EFFECT. See greenhouse effect (atmosphere).[ ...]
The main part of the greenhouse effect is determined by water vapor in the atmosphere and unevenly distributed in it, partially condensed in clouds. About 10% of the greenhouse effect is provided by carbon dioxide evenly distributed in the atmosphere, the content of which is 16 times less than water vapor. The remaining gases in the atmosphere (among which the main one is methane, which has a concentration almost two orders of magnitude lower than the concentration of carbon dioxide) determine less than 1% of the greenhouse effect.[ ...]
The term “greenhouse effect” refers to a specific phenomenon. Solar radiation falling on the Earth is partially absorbed by the surface of the land and ocean, and 30% of it is reflected into outer space. A “clean” atmosphere is transparent to infrared radiation, and an atmosphere containing vapors of triatomic (greenhouse) gases (water, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, etc.) absorbs infrared rays, due to which the air is heated. Therefore, greenhouse gases function as a glass cover in conventional garden greenhouses.[ ...]
Ozone (Oz) is an important greenhouse gas found in both the stratosphere and the troposphere. It affects both shortwave and longwave radiation, and therefore the final direction and magnitude of its contribution to the radiation balance to a large extent depend on the vertical distribution of the ozone content, especially at the tropopause level, where reliable observations are still insufficient. Therefore, determining the contribution of ozone to the greenhouse effect is more difficult compared to well-mixed gases. Estimates indicate a positive resultant (approximately +0.4 watt/m).[ ...]
Such a slowdown in energy expansion came as a complete surprise to analysts who overlooked an extremely important fact: over the past 25 years, all developed countries of the world have stopped increasing their consumption of all types of fuel, taken together, per capita. This undoubtedly affected the dynamics of global energy consumption, which has a clear tendency to stabilize at the level of 2.5 toe. per year per person. In our opinion, this is due to the trend of the population explosion fading, which was outlined in 1988 (the same year there was the maximum energy consumption per capita).[ ...]
Another gas that creates a greenhouse effect on the planet is methane. The growth of its concentration in the air was confirmed experimentally by analyzing gas bubbles in polar ice (Fig. 9.4, b). The main natural cause of methane formation is the activity of special bacteria that decompose carbohydrates under anaerobic conditions (without oxygen access). It occurs primarily in swamps and in the digestive tract of animals. Methane is produced in compost heaps, landfills, rice paddies (wherever water and dirt isolate plant remains from air access), as well as in the extraction of fossil fuels.[ ...]
The most significant natural greenhouse gases are water vapor contained in the atmosphere in large quantities, as well as carbon dioxide, which enters the atmosphere both naturally and artificially and is the main component causing the greenhouse effect of anthropogenic origin. It is known that in the absence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the temperature of the Earth's surface would be approximately 3.3 degrees lower than at present, which would create extremely unfavorable conditions for the life of animals and plants.[ ...]
Nobody disputes today that the "greenhouse effect" is increasing. However, forecasts about the impact of warming on the ecological system - planets are not unambiguous.[ ...]
To understand the nature and mechanism of the greenhouse effect, it is also important to know that the contribution of the same component to the total radiation flux strongly depends on its distribution in the atmosphere. Let's illustrate this by the example of the three main "greenhouse" gases - water vapor, ozone and CO2. It can be seen from Fig. 3.1 that the absorption band of a carbon dioxide molecule centered at 15 μm is largely blocked by water vapor bands. From this it could be concluded that that the role of CO2 in the absorption of radiation is not so great.However, if we turn to Fig. 3.3, which shows the vertical profiles of H,0 and 03 obtained in the course of real observations in January 1972, we will see how large the concentration gradient On the contrary, carbon dioxide is quite evenly mixed in the air layer from about 1 to 70 km. Therefore, above 2-3 km, it is CO2 that can be the main absorber of the ascending thermal radiation of the underlying surface, and this conclusion is supported by the results of calculations presented in Table 3.2. [...]
Vronsky V.A. Ecological consequences of the greenhouse effect // Biology at school. - 1993. - No. 3. - S. 15-17.[ ...]
Unlike the global impact of greenhouse gases, the effect of atmospheric aerosols is local. The geographical distribution of sulfate aerosols in the air basically coincides with the industrial regions of the world. It is there that the local cooling effect of aerosols can significantly reduce and even negate the global greenhouse effect.[ ...]
Methane is the second greenhouse gas in terms of specific content and is currently estimated at 20-25%. The contribution of carbon dioxide to the greenhouse effect is 43%, freon - 14%, nitrous oxide - 5%, other gases (hydrochloride chloride, tropospheric ozone, etc.) - 13%.[ ...]
It should be borne in mind that the accuracy of estimates of both the greenhouse effect as a whole and its components is still not absolute. It is not clear, for example, how one can accurately take into account the greenhouse role of water vapor, which, when clouds form, becomes a powerful factor in increasing the Earth's albedo. Stratospheric ozone is not so much a greenhouse gas as an anti-greenhouse gas, as it reflects approximately 3% of incoming solar radiation. Dust and other aerosols, especially sulfur compounds, weaken the heating of the earth's surface and the lower atmosphere, although they act in the opposite role for the heat balance of desert areas.[ ...]
It should be noted that the phenomenon, now called the greenhouse effect of gaseous atmospheric impurities, was first pointed out in 1824 by the French scientist J. Fourier, and in 1861 by the English physicist J. Tyndall discovered that, like water vapor, CO2 molecules shield infrared radiation. This geophysical property of carbon dioxide is not, however, its only global lever of influence on the biosphere. Other comparable properties of CO2 - such as fertilizer and anti-transpiration effects, are discussed in the chapter "Living Matter". Let's return to the main topic.[ ...]
Currently, about 10% of the land is covered with ice. The approximation of the greenhouse effect depends on the amount of carbon dioxide emissions.[ ...]
Some gases in the atmosphere, including water vapor, are distinguished by the greenhouse effect, that is, the ability to transmit solar radiation to the Earth's surface to a greater extent than the thermal radiation emitted by the Earth heated by the Sun. As a result, the temperature of the Earth's surface and the surface layer of air is higher than it would be in the absence of the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is one of the life support mechanisms on Earth.[ ...]
The combination of the first two factors is called “Relative greenhouse potential” and is expressed in units of CO2 potential. It is a convenient indicator of the current state of the greenhouse effect and is used in international diplomatic negotiations. The relative role of each of the greenhouse gases is very sensitive to the change of each factor and to their interdependence, and therefore is determined very approximately.[ ...]
The basis of the constructions of the supporters of the greenhouse effect is climate observation. The warming number for 100 years is often 0.5-0.6 degrees Celsius. But the above climate reports clearly state that "all types of data used to study climate change and variability suffer from quality and inadequacy problems." It is also alarming that since the beginning of satellite observations (the end of the 1970s), global changes in the temperature of the troposphere have hardly been observed. According to satellite and radiosonde data over this period, the global temperature in the lower and middle troposphere remained almost unchanged: its growth was only 0.05 degrees Celsius per decade, which is half the error of this estimate (± 0.1 degrees per 10 years). In the upper troposphere, since the beginning of the 60s of the last century, no statistically significant global temperature trends have been observed at all.[ ...]
We also note the following important circumstance: it is hardly possible in principle to reliably fix the greenhouse effect of anthropogenic origin with a small number of observations, since the amount of heat required to heat the atmosphere, say, by 1 degree, is three orders of magnitude less than the amount of heat that has gone into space space due to radiation from the upper layers of the atmosphere.[ ...]
Two or three decades ago, only environmental scientists knew about global warming due to the greenhouse effect. Today it has become a problem that humanity is concerned about.[ ...]
Compared to other greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, or carbon dioxide (CO2), is characterized by a relatively low greenhouse effect potential, but a rather long lifetime in the atmosphere - 50-200 years and a relatively high concentration. The share of carbon dioxide in the greenhouse effect is currently about 64%, but this relative value is unstable, as it depends on the changing role of other greenhouse gases.[ ...]
The content of carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere is growing rapidly. These gases cause the "greenhouse effect" (Fig. 13.4).[ ...]
According to Russian, French and American researchers, the level of gases that create the greenhouse effect in the Earth's atmosphere is currently the highest in the last 420 thousand years. The research was carried out at the Russian Antarctic base "Vostok", where, drilling through the ice, the researchers reached a record depth of 3620 m, which corresponds to a layer formed 420 thousand years ago. The air bubbles contained in the thickness of the ice have become a kind of archive of the state of the atmosphere. During the period of global warming, the level of gases that cause the greenhouse effect (carbon dioxide, methane, etc.) increased, and during the cooling period, it decreased.[ ...]
And we are threatened not only with a lack of energy, but also with heat death from excess heat release when it is received (the so-called "greenhouse effect").[ ...]
However, about 3 billion years ago, the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide began to decrease due to its binding in carbonate rocks. By 2.8 billion years, the greenhouse effect had declined so much that continental glaciation had begun. It was the first (?) glacioera in the history of the Earth. The average global temperature, according to V. A. Zubakov, did not exceed 4-10 ° C then. Subsequently, the luminosity of the Sun increased, and the greenhouse effect of radiation-active gases and gaseous substances of the atmosphere began to decrease, but this process proceeded in leaps and bounds.[ ...]
Accumulation in the atmosphere of carbon dioxide by 0.4% in hop, methane by 1%, and nitrogen oxide N/0 by 0.2% has been instrumentally proven. which causes the "greenhouse effect". It consists in the fact that these gases, entering the atmosphere, impede the release of heat from the surface of the Earth and act as a stack or film in a greenhouse.[ ...]
The goal of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is to stabilize the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at levels that would cause dangerous imbalances in the global climate system. This will require us to reduce emissions of gases such as carbon dioxide, a by-product of using fuels to generate energy.[ ...]
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are substances synthesized by humans and contain chlorine, fluorine and bromine. They have a very strong relative greenhouse potential and a significant lifetime in the atmosphere. Their final role in the greenhouse effect is, as of the mid-1990s, approximately 7%. The production of chlorofluorocarbons in the world is currently controlled by international agreements on the protection of the ozone layer, including the provision for a gradual reduction in the production of these substances, their replacement with less ozone-depleting ones, with its subsequent complete cessation. As a result, the concentration of CFCs in the atmosphere began to decrease.[ ...]
It was noted above what negative consequences can result from an intensive increase in the content of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere due to the manifestation of the greenhouse effect (climate warming, melting glaciers, raising the level of the World Ocean, etc.). In addition, an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide enhances the decomposition of building materials - limestone, dolomite, concrete, stone. Some ancient monuments, having survived millennia, cannot survive the disease caused by environmental pollution. The same nitric acid, which is formed during the interaction of nitrogen oxides and water, acts destructively on them.[ ...]
The role of the atmosphere in life is great: maintaining the processes of respiration (oxygen), the transfer of gaseous substances - the basis of the life of plant organisms and the regulation of temperature on earth ("greenhouse effect").[ ...]
In 1896, S. Arrhenius (1859-1927) published a fundamental work in which he quantified the effect of changes in the concentration of atmospheric CO2 on the temperature of the earth's surface. In calculating the greenhouse effect, he took into account the effect of an important positive feedback between temperature increase and an increase in the content of water vapor in the air, which should also lead to climate warming.[ ...]
By the middle of the 21st century (2050), one can expect a doubling of CO2 concentration in the Earth's atmosphere compared to the time preceding industrialization (approximately 1850). Thus, there is undoubtedly a threat of anthropogenic greenhouse effect when burning fossil fuels.[ ...]
The climate can be characterized by some average global temperature of the surface layer of the atmosphere and the level of the World Ocean. Currently, an increase in these parameters is interpreted as global warming due to the anthropogenic greenhouse effect (due to the emission of carbon dioxide due to the combustion of carbonaceous fuels). However, if the heat and water balances of the planet are unstable, then the assumptions about the constancy of global temperature and ocean level turn out to be incorrect, and these values are always in a non-stationary state, changing in a complex way.[ ...]
The global level of environmental safety management involves forecasting and tracking processes in the state of the biosphere as a whole and its constituent areas. In the second half of the XX century. these processes are expressed in global climate change, the occurrence of the "greenhouse effect", the destruction of the ozone screen, the desertification of the planet and the pollution of the oceans. The essence of global control and management is to preserve and restore the natural mechanism of OS reproduction by the biosphere, which is directed by the totality of living organisms that make up the biosphere.[ ...]
However, the enormous power developed by the biota of the Earth is fraught with a hidden danger of rapid destruction of the environment. If the integrity of the biota is violated, then the environment can be completely distorted in decades. It is known that the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is rapidly increasing, which enhances the greenhouse effect and can lead to an increase in surface temperature (global warming). This process has long been associated only with the burning of fossil fuels. However, a global analysis of land use shows that in large areas of the continental biosphere, the amount of organic carbon is not increasing, but decreasing, and the rate of carbon release from continental biota and soil organic stocks coincides in order of magnitude with the rate of fossil carbon release from burning coal, oil and gas. Therefore, modern biota violates Le Chatelier's principle. Since the beginning of our century, the land biota has ceased to absorb excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. On the contrary, it began to release carbon into the atmosphere, increasing rather than decreasing the pollution produced by industrial plants. This means that the structure of the natural terrestrial biota has been disrupted on a global scale.[ ...]
Let's see why this iron theory for garden houses is not suitable. So, you made a foundation of concrete blocks, planting it below the estimated freezing depth of the soil. In the Moscow region, for example, such a depth is 1.5 m, however, 1.4, even 1.3 m is enough: for many years, winters in the Moscow region, and, perhaps, everywhere are much warmer than in those days when this calculated depth was established. Further, they say, it will be even warmer due to the greenhouse effect from the high content of CO2 in the atmosphere.[ ...]
To preserve the ozone layer of the Earth, measures are being taken to reduce freon emissions and replace them with environmentally friendly substances. At present, the solution of the problem of preserving the ozone screen and the destruction of ozone holes is necessary for the preservation of earthly civilization. The UN Conference on Environment and Development, held in Rio de Janeiro, concluded that our atmosphere is increasingly being affected by greenhouse gases that threaten climate change, as well as chemicals that deplete the ozone layer.[ ...]
If no action is taken, then the accumulation of CO2 will lead to the accumulation of heat in the lower layers of the troposphere (since CO2 does not transmit heat rays emitted by the Earth). Along with colossal (up to 3x14 MJ per year) energy releases from heat sources, this can lead to atmospheric heating, ice melting, increased humidity, isolation from the Sun, cooling, etc. At the end of this chain, a flood with a subsequent ice age is not ruled out. This mechanism, often called the "greenhouse effect" hypothesis, is confirmed by multi-parameter computer calculations. Scientists believe that the process has already begun: 1987 is the warmest year in terms of average world temperature, the winter of 1989 is the hottest, the 80s. - the warmest decade. Dramatic consequences can bring global warming by only 2-3 degrees.[ ...]
As a result of rapid technogenic activity, thoughtless attitude to the environment, uncontrolled scientific and technological progress, increased pressure on nature, predatory use of the Earth's natural resources, the emerging global environmental problems that make up the general ecological crisis are clearly visible: pollution of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere with harmful technogenic waste; climate change, primarily its warming due to the "greenhouse effect", with the subsequent possibility of flooding large populated areas; the destruction of the ozone layer in the atmosphere and the danger of exposure to short-wave ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is detrimental to all life on Earth; depletion of material and natural resources; destruction of forests, formation of deserts; depletion of biological species of flora and fauna; the growth of the world's population and its provision with food, housing, clothing; the spread of viral morbidity among the regions; violation of the genetic integrity of landscapes; aesthetic and ethical aspects of environmental degradation; discrepancy between the restorative abilities of nature and man-made impact, etc.[ ...]
Thermal equilibrium occurs when the temperatures of the bodies participating in the heat exchange become the same, i.e. each of them begins to give as much energy as it receives from other bodies. Therefore, in winter, for example, when the Earth's surface radiates more energy into space than it receives from the Sun, its temperature begins to drop. In summer, the opposite occurs. In the same way, the fact that on a cloudless night the temperature drops more strongly than on a cloudy one is explained. In the latter case, part of the Earth's radiation is reflected by clouds onto its surface. Less cloudiness is also responsible for the relatively sharp nighttime decrease in temperature in mountainous areas compared to the plains. The presence in the atmosphere of impurity gases of anthropogenic origin with larger molecular sizes than those of its main components (nitrogen, oxygen) (CC>2, CH4, SO2, etc.), reduces infrared radiation into the world space. This can contribute to the development of the "greenhouse" effect (section 1.6.1).[ ...]
The surface layer of the troposphere experiences anthropogenic impact to the greatest extent, the main type of which is chemical and thermal air pollution. The air temperature is most strongly influenced by the urbanization of the territory. Temperature differences between the urbanized area and the surrounding undeveloped areas are related to the size of the city, building density, and synoptic conditions. There is an upward trend in temperature in every town and city. For large cities in the temperate zone, the temperature contrast between the city and the suburbs is 1-3 ° C. In cities, the albedo of the underlying surface decreases (the ratio of reflected radiation to the total) as a result of the appearance of buildings, structures, artificial coatings, solar radiation is more intensively absorbed here, accumulated by structures buildings absorbed heat during the day with its return to the atmosphere in the evening and at night. The heat consumption for evaporation decreases, as the areas with open soil cover occupied by green plantings are reduced, and the rapid removal of precipitation by rainwater sewer systems does not allow creating a moisture reserve in soils and surface water bodies. Urban development leads to the formation of air stagnation zones, which leads to its overheating; the transparency of the air also changes in the city due to the increased content of impurities from industrial enterprises and transport. The total solar radiation decreases in the city, as well as the oncoming infrared radiation of the earth's surface, which, together with the heat transfer of buildings, leads to the appearance of a local "greenhouse effect", i.e. the city is "covered" with a blanket of greenhouse gases and aerosol particles. Under the influence of urban development, the amount of precipitation is changing. The main factor in this is a radical decrease in the permeability for precipitation of the underlying surface and the creation of networks to divert surface runoff from the city. The importance of the huge amount of hydrocarbon fuel burned is great. On the territory of the city in the warm season, there is a decrease in the values of absolute humidity and the opposite picture in the cold season - in the city, the humidity is higher than outside the city.
The greenhouse effect is an increase in the temperature of the earth's surface due to the heating of the lower atmosphere by the accumulation of greenhouse gases. As a result, the air temperature is higher than it should be, and this leads to such irreversible consequences as climate change and global warming. Several centuries ago this ecological problem existed, but was not so obvious. With the development of technology, the number of sources that provide the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere is increasing every year.
Causes of the greenhouse effect
the use of combustible minerals in industry - coal, oil, natural gas, the combustion of which releases a huge amount of carbon dioxide and other harmful compounds into the atmosphere;
transport - cars and trucks emit exhaust gases, which also pollute the air and increase the greenhouse effect;
deforestation, which absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, and with the destruction of every tree on the planet, the amount of CO2 in the air increases;
forest fires are another source of destruction of plants on the planet;
an increase in population affects the increase in demand for food, clothing, housing, and to ensure this, industrial production is growing, which is increasingly polluting the air with greenhouse gases;
agrochemicals and fertilizers contain a different amount of compounds, the evaporation of which releases nitrogen - one of the greenhouse gases;
the decomposition and burning of garbage in landfills contribute to the increase in greenhouse gases.
The impact of the greenhouse effect on climate
Considering the results of the greenhouse effect, it can be determined that the main one is climate change. Since the air temperature rises every year, the waters of the seas and oceans evaporate more intensively. Some scientists predict that in 200 years such a phenomenon as the "drying" of the oceans, namely a significant decrease in water levels, will become noticeable. This is one side of the problem. The other is that the increase in temperature leads to the melting of glaciers, which contributes to the rise in the water level of the World Ocean, and leads to the flooding of the coasts of continents and islands. The increase in the number of floods and flooding of coastal areas indicates that the level of ocean waters is increasing every year.
An increase in air temperature leads to the fact that areas that are little moistened by precipitation become arid and unsuitable for life. Here, crops are dying, which leads to a food crisis for the population of the area. Also, there is no food for animals, because plants die out due to lack of water.
First of all, we need to stop deforestation, plant new trees and shrubs, as they absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Using electric vehicles will reduce the amount of exhaust gases. In addition, you can change from cars to bicycles, which is more convenient, cheaper and safer for the environment. Alternative fuels are also being developed, which, unfortunately, is slowly being introduced into our daily lives.
19. Ozone layer: value, composition, possible causes of its destruction, protection measures taken.
Earth's ozone layer Ozone is a region of the Earth's atmosphere where ozone is produced, a gas that protects our planet from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Destruction and depletion of the Earth's ozone layer.
The ozone layer, despite its great importance for all living things, is a very fragile barrier to ultraviolet rays. Its integrity depends on a number of conditions, but nature nevertheless came to a balance in this matter, and for many millions of years the Earth's ozone layer successfully coped with the mission assigned to it. The processes of formation and destruction of the ozone layer were strictly balanced until man appeared on the planet and in his development did not reach the current technical level.
In the 70s. of the twentieth century, it was proved that many substances actively used by man in economic activities can significantly reduce the level of ozone in Earth's atmosphere.
Substances that deplete the Earth's ozone layer include fluorochlorocarbons - freons (gases used in aerosols and refrigerators, consisting of chlorine, fluorine and carbon atoms), combustion products during high-altitude aviation flights and rocket launches, i.e. substances whose molecules contain chlorine or bromine.
These substances, released into the atmosphere near the Earth's surface, reach the upper limit in 10–20 years. the boundaries of the ozone layer. There, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, they decompose, forming chlorine and bromine, which, in turn, interacting with stratospheric ozone, significantly reduce its amount.
Causes of destruction and depletion of the ozone layer of the Earth.
Let us consider once again in more detail the causes of the destruction of the Earth's ozone layer. At the same time, we will not consider the natural decay of ozone molecules. We will focus on human economic activity.
Earth as a result of the impact of human activities. Of particular concern is the increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in , which leads to heating of the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere and, perhaps, is one of the main reasons for the climate warming observed in recent decades.
The most significant natural greenhouse gas is H20 water vapor. It absorbs and emits long-wave infrared radiation in the wavelength range of 4.5 - 80 microns. The influence of water vapor on the greenhouse effect is decisive and is created mainly by the absorption band 5 - 7.5 μm. Nevertheless, part of the radiation from the Earth's surface in the spectral regions of 3 - 5 µm and 8 - 12 µm, called transparency windows, escapes through the atmosphere into the world space. The greenhouse effect of water vapor is enhanced by the absorption bands of carbon dioxide that enters the atmosphere as a result of volcanic activity, the natural cycle of carbon in nature, the decay of organic matter in the soil when heated, and human activities, mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas ) and deforestation.
In addition to carbon dioxide, the content of greenhouse gases such as methane, nitrous oxide and tropospheric ozone is increasing in the atmosphere. Methane enters the atmosphere from swamps and deep cracks in the earth's crust. The increase in its concentration is facilitated by the development of agricultural production (especially the expansion of abundantly irrigated rice fields), the increase in the number of livestock, the burning of biomass and the extraction of natural gas. Nitrous oxide concentrations are increased by the use of nitrogen fertilizers, aircraft emissions, and oxidation processes. Ozone in the troposphere increases as a result of solar chemical reactions between hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides produced by the burning of fossil fuels. These gases are increasing faster than carbon dioxide concentrations and their relative contribution to the atmospheric greenhouse effect may increase in the future. The growth of the atmosphere is also facilitated by an increase in the concentration of a highly absorbing aerosol of industrial origin (soot) with a particle radius of 0.001 - 0.05 microns. An increase in greenhouse gases and aerosols could significantly increase global temperatures and cause other climate changes, the environmental and social consequences of which are still difficult to predict.
Speaking of the greenhouse effect, one immediately imagines a large greenhouse, gentle rays of the sun penetrating through the glass, bright green beds and a fairly high temperature inside when winter still rules outside.
Speaking of the greenhouse effect, one immediately imagines a large greenhouse, gentle rays of the sun penetrating through the glass, bright green beds and a fairly high temperature inside when winter still rules outside. Yes, this is true, this process can be most clearly compared with what happens in a greenhouse. Only in the role of glass are greenhouse gases, which are abundant in the atmosphere, they pass and retain heat in the lower air layers, ensuring the growth of plants and human life. Today, more and more often, the greenhouse effect is called an environmental term that has become a disaster. Thus, nature is crying out for help, and if nothing is done, humanity will have only 300 years before the inevitable end of the world. It is important to understand that the greenhouse effect has always existed on Earth, without it the normal existence of living organisms and plants is impossible, and we owe a comfortable climate to it. The problem is that harmful human activity has taken on such proportions that they can no longer pass without a trace, affecting global, irreversible changes in the environment. And in order to survive, the population of our Planet needs the same global solidarity in resolving this serious issue.
The essence of the greenhouse effect, its causes and consequences
The vital activity of mankind, the burning of millions of tons of fuel, increased energy consumption, an increase in the vehicle fleet, a significant increase in the amount of waste, production volumes, and so on, leads to an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the earth's atmosphere. Statistics show that over the past two hundred years there has been a 25% increase in carbon dioxide in the air, which has never happened in the entire geological history. Thus, a kind of gas cap is formed above the Earth, which delays the return of thermal radiation, returning it back and leading to climatic imbalance. As the average temperature at the Earth's surface rises, so does the amount of precipitation. Remember that condensate always appears on the glass in a greenhouse or greenhouse, in nature this happens in a similar way. It is impossible to accurately calculate all the disastrous consequences of this, but one thing is clear, a person has started a dangerous game with nature, an urgent need to think again in order to prevent an ecological catastrophe.
The reasons that exacerbate the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere include:
- economic activity that changes the gas composition and causes dust in the lower air layers of the Earth;
- combustion of carbonaceous fuels, coal, oil and gas;
- exhaust gases of automobile engines;
- operation of thermal power plants;
- agriculture, associated with excessive rotting and an excess of fertilizers, a significant increase in livestock;
- extraction of natural resources;
- Disposal of household and industrial waste;
- deforestation.
Surprisingly, the fact is that air has already ceased to be a renewable natural resource, which it was before the beginning of intensive human activity.
Consequences of the greenhouse effect
The most dangerous consequence of the greenhouse effect is considered to be global warming, which leads to a violation of the heat balance on the planet as a whole. Already today, each of us has experienced an average increase in temperature on ourselves, phenomenal heat in the summer months and sudden thaws in the middle of winter, this is a frightening phenomenon as a result of global atmospheric pollution. And droughts, acid rains, dry winds, tornadoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters have become a terrible norm of life these days. The data of scientists testify to far from comforting forecasts, every year the temperature rises by almost one degree, or even more. In this regard, tropical downpours are intensifying, the boundaries of arid territories and deserts are growing, rapid melting of glaciers begins, permafrost areas disappear and the taiga territories are significantly reduced. And this means that crops will drop sharply, inhabited areas will be flooded with water, many animals will not be able to adapt to rapidly changing conditions, the level of the World Ocean will rise and the overall water-salt balance will change. Scary, but the current generation may be witnessing the fastest warming on Planet Earth. But, as world practice shows, for some parts of global warming has a positive effect, giving the opportunity to develop agriculture and animal husbandry, this negligible benefit is lost against the backdrop of a massive negative impact. Debates are raging around the greenhouse effect, research and testing are being carried out, people are looking for ways to reduce its destructive influence.
Modern ways to solve the problem
There is only one way out of this situation: to find a new type of fuel, or to radically change the technology for using existing varieties of fuel resources. Coal and oil, when burned, release 60% more carbon dioxide, an active greenhouse gas, than any other fuel to produce a unit of energy.
What you need to do to escape the threat of the greenhouse effect:
- reduce consumption of fossil fuels, especially coal, oil and natural gas;
- use special filters and catalysts to remove carbon dioxide from all emissions into the atmosphere;
- increase the energy efficiency of thermal power plants through the use of hidden environmentally friendly reserves;
- increase the use of alternative energy sources, wind, sun and so on;
- stop cutting down green spaces and establish purposeful planting of greenery;
- stop the global pollution of the planet.
Now there is an active discussion of such measures to reduce the anthropogenic impact, such as the regular removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, through the use of high-tech devices, to liquefy and inject it into the waters of the oceans, thereby approaching natural circulation. There are ways to solve the problem, the main thing is to take it all together, the population, the government and the younger generation, and carry out a huge, but so useful, work to cleanse Mother Earth. It's time to stop the consumer attitude and start investing time and energy in our future, the bright life of the next generations, it's time to give nature what we regularly take from it. There is no doubt that ingenious and enterprising humanity will cope with this very complex and responsible task.
