Greenhouse Effect: Why Is Earth's Temperature Increasing?

Ever wondered why the temperature feels hotter these days? As if the sun is standing right above us. You have probably heard of the greenhouse effect, but what are they exactly?

The greenhouse effect refers to the ability of the atmosphere to maintain a comfortable global temperature. The greenhouse effect is actually a natural process that is millions of years old and plays a significant role in the Earth's overall temperature regulation. The elements that form the greenhouse effect are greenhouse gases which trap heat from the Earth. Without the greenhouse effect, the Earth's temperature would be extremely cold and unsuitable for humans, animals, and plants. However, following the industrial and technological revolutions, Earth's temperature has rapidly risen and is approaching dangerous levels. Sea level rise due to melting polar ice, extreme weather (floods, droughts, storms), and ecosystem damage are the results of Earth's temperature rise.

Greenhouse effects occur when sunlight enters the Earth's atmosphere. Some of this energy is reflected back into space, whereas some is absorbed by the Earth's surface, warming it. The Earth then radiates this energy back in the form of infrared radiation (heat). However, greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and F-gases, absorb and reflect some of this radiation back to the Earth's surface, thereby increasing the temperature.

Imagine you're in a closed car sitting right under the sun. The heat which enters through the car window is partly reflected back out through the glass, while the other part is trapped inside the car. As a result, the temperature inside the car becomes hotter due to the trapped heat. The same goes for Earth!

Through the greenhouse effect, heat is trapped between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases form a blanket that prevents heat from escaping into space, causing the Earth's temperature to rise and eventually warm the planet.

Sadly, it is undeniable that the increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases since 1750 are caused by human activities. Now this is our responsibility as the younger generation to bring changes and ensure a stable climate and future for generations to come. Starting from small actions like reducing energy consumption, choosing sustainable transportation, and supporting renewable energy can collectively make a significant difference in combating climate change.