The Greenhouse Effect - AP Environmental Science

Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. These are the most significant heat-trapping gases in Earth's atmosphere.

1 (baseline for comparison). $CO_2$ serves as the reference standard for comparing other greenhouse gases.

Absorption and re-emission of infrared radiation by greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases absorb Earth's outgoing infrared radiation and re-emit it downward.

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally. International treaty establishing binding emission reduction targets for developed countries.

Burning of fossil fuels. Fossil fuel combustion is the dominant source of anthropogenic $CO_2$ emissions.

Photosynthesis. Plants convert atmospheric $CO_2$ into organic compounds using solar energy.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs have GWPs thousands of times higher than $CO_2$ but are now regulated.

It is a potent greenhouse gas amplifying warming. Water vapor provides positive feedback, amplifying warming from other greenhouse gases.

Global climate change. Enhanced greenhouse effect disrupts global climate systems and weather patterns.

Increases carbon dioxide levels, enhancing the greenhouse effect. Trees absorb $CO_2$; removing them reduces carbon storage capacity.

Release of stored methane and CO2. Thawing releases previously frozen organic carbon as greenhouse gases.

Dissolution of CO2 in seawater. $CO_2$ dissolves directly into ocean water, forming carbonic acid.

Volcanic eruptions. Volcanoes release $CO_2$ from magma and carbonate rock decomposition.

They absorb more carbon than they emit, reducing atmospheric CO2. Carbon sinks remove more $CO_2$ from the atmosphere than they release.

Agriculture, specifically livestock digestion. Ruminants produce methane through digestion, and rice paddies emit it from anaerobic conditions.

Ocean acidification. $CO_2$ dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid and lowering ocean pH.

Methane. Livestock digestion and rice cultivation are major agricultural methane sources.

To limit global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. International agreement to prevent dangerous climate change through emission reductions.

Water vapor. Water vapor makes up 1-4% of the atmosphere and has strong heat-trapping properties.

Human industrial activities. Manufacturing, energy production, and transportation burn fossil fuels for power.

It is a potent greenhouse gas released by agriculture and industry. $N_2O$ has a GWP about 300 times higher than $CO_2$ over 100 years.

Loss of species unable to adapt to rapid climate changes. Rapid climate change exceeds species' adaptation rates, causing extinctions.

Photosynthesis. Plants convert atmospheric $CO_2$ into organic compounds using solar energy.

Melting of ice caps due to rising temperatures. Higher temperatures cause ice to melt, contributing to sea level rise.

Fossil fuel combustion. Burning coal, oil, and gas releases stored carbon into the atmosphere.

Anaerobic decomposition of organic material. Bacteria break down organic matter without oxygen, producing methane gas.

It harms marine organisms, particularly shell-forming species. Lower pH dissolves calcium carbonate shells and disrupts marine food chains.

Increasing energy efficiency. Using less energy reduces fossil fuel consumption and $CO_2$ emissions.

The reflectivity of Earth's surface impacting heat absorption. Higher albedo reflects more solar radiation, while lower albedo absorbs more heat.