Greenhouse effect and global warming – pollution due to industrial wastes
It is important for us to know what isgreenhouse effect. You must have heard of greenhouse effect during any debate on global warming. The light that we get from the sun helps to keep this planet warm.
Of the 100% light that sun sends to earth, almost 30% sunlight is reflected back into the space by clouds, ice, snow, sand and other reflective surfaces, according to NASA. Only about 70% of the sunlight is absorbed by the oceans, the land and the atmosphere.
The sunlight that falls on the Earth’s surface is used for different purposes. It can be used to produce solar energy, drying clothes, or by plants in the process of photosynthesis.
Causes of the Greenhouse Effect
1. Burning of Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas have become an integral part of our life. They are used on large basis to produce electricity and for transportation. When they are burnt, the carbon stored inside them is released which combines with oxygen in the air to create carbon dioxide.
With the increase in the population, the number of vehicles have also increased and this has resulted in increase in the pollution in the atmosphere.
2. Deforestation: Forests hold a major green area on the planet Earth. Plants and trees intake carbon dioxide and release oxygen, through the process of photosynthesis, which is required by humans and animals to survive.
3. Increase in Population: Over the last few decades, there have been huge increase in the population. Now, this has resulted in increased demand for food, cloth and shelter. New manufacturing hubs have come up cities and towns that release some harmful gases into the atmosphere which increases the greenhouse effect.
5. Industrial Waste and Landfills: Industries which are involved in cement production, fertilizers, coal mining activities, oil extraction produce harmful greenhouse gases. Also, landfills filled with garbage produce carbon dioxide and methane gas contributing significantly to greenhouse effect.