In this chapter, you will learn to: / describe how the enhanced greenhouse effect contributes to global warming
/ outline how humans contribute to global warming / identify the effects on Earth of global warming and climate change
/ evaluate current measures to address climate change.
The greenhouse effect and global warming
Earth’s atmosphere is made up of a mixture of gases. Some of these gases trap heat near the Earth’s surface. These greenhouse gases include: • carbon dioxide (CO2 • methane (CH4
This trapped heat keeps the Earth’s temperature within a range that allows water to exist in a liquid state, which is essential for life.
The enhanced greenhouse effect
If the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases beyond the normal level, extra heat is trapped close to the Earth’s surface. This is known as the enhanced greenhouse effect.
As a result, the temperatures on the Earth’s surface increase. Global temperature rose by approximately 0.08 °C per decade between 1880 and 1980, increasing to a rate of 0.18 °C per decade since. This is known as global warming.
? TEST TUBE
1. Explain why the natural greenhouse effect is important for life on Earth. 2. Why do you think Earth’s temperature has continued to rise since the late nineteenth century?
Elements of Science 387
:Fig. 40.1 The natural greenhouse effect and the enhanced greenhouse effect