3. Nitrous oxide (N2O) accounts for around 8% of the warming impact of current human greenhouse-gas emissions. Nitrous oxide is up to
300 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide.
Artificial fertilisers – the biggest source of nitrous oxide in the atmosphere – are chemicals added to the soil to make it more fertile, and they increase the release of nitrous oxide into the atmosphere.
The widespread use of coal as power station fuel means that nitrous oxide emissions from this source have increased. Increasing global energy demands have led to increased emissions from coal-burning energy plants.
We can all play an important role in tackling climate change. Using a carbon calculator can help us to reduce our carbon count number and to take responsibility for our greenhouse gas emissions. One can be found at: www.carbonfootprint.com/ calculator.aspx
This calculator will highlight which areas of your life have the greatest effect on climate change and will provide you with advice on what steps you can take to reduce your carbon count. Use the carbon calculator with your family to find out your carbon footprint and discover what changes you can make to improve it.
1. What is the greenhouse effect? 2. Using a diagram, illustrate the difference between the natural greenhouse effect and the human greenhouse effect.
3. Describe how each of the following gases have an effect on global warming: (i) Carbon dioxide (CO2) (ii) Methane (CH4) (iii) Nitrous oxide (N2O)
