Difference between natural and artificial greenhouse effect

The greenhouse effect is a process through which The heat that comes from the sun And that reaches a planet is caught in your atmosphere. This is because, certain types of gases retain a part of the heat that comes from the sun and that “bounces” on the earth’s surface. This makes the temperature of the atmosphere remain higher. In fact, if there were no greenhouse gases on Earth, our planet would have an average temperature of -18 ºC. In this way, the Greenhouse effect allows the planet temperature to be higher By retaining an important part of the heat that comes from the sun and that, in fact, it is essential for life to exist on earth.

However, when greenhouse gases are very high, this heat retention is too high, which entails the increase in temperatures exaggerated. This has direct consequences on the life of the entire planet, including human beings. The first consequence of excess greenhouse gases It is an increase in the global temperature that entails the thaw of polar caps. This would cause coastal areas, where a large majority of cities and towns are concentrated, they were completely flooded. In addition, an increase in global temperature would entail the destruction of a multitude of ecosystems, as well as numerous animal and plant species.

This uncontrolled increase in greenhouse gases is not accidental, but comes from human activities. It is the so -called Artificial or anthropogenic greenhouse affectionthat is, of human origin, which, unlike life on earth as with the natural greenhouse effect, is a true threat to its survival.

The first difference is found that, after millions of years of evolution, life has developed to survive in specific temperature ranges, which are the natives, and that are established by the natural greenhouse effect. On the contrary, the Artificial greenhouse effect It is an element that, by introducing it into the whole, consequence it has is to unbalance The established order.

Secondly, it must also be taken into account that both greenhouse effects differ by the speed in which they suffer modifications. The natural greenhouse effect has not been constant throughout life on earth. However, its fluctuations have usually been balanced, which has allowed life to adapt to the new situation of the ecosystem. On the contrary, the Artificial greenhouse effect He is barely more than 200 years old, since You can set its beginning with the Industrial Revolution and the use of coal as a source of energy. In addition, in the last decades, the increase in the use of fossil fuels has accelerated its effects, so, unlike what happens with the natural greenhouse effect, it is a greenhouse effect that modifies the environment too quickly so that organisms and ecosystems can adapt.

On the other hand, we must bear in mind that, although some greenhouse gases such as CO2 are common both in the natural and artificial effect, others are not and, in the case of those of the artificial effect, in addition to endangering the balance of the planet They also affect the health of animals and people. A good example of these gases are nitrous oxides, which result from the combustion of gasoline and especially diesel. These gases are responsible for a part of air pollution that can be observed in large cities and, in addition to shaving the landscape, they are also related to respiratory and autoimmune diseases. In fact, a non -smoker who lives in an urban nucleus with high amounts of nitrous oxides in the atmosphere will have a health similar to that of a person living in the field but who is filled half seven cigars a day (naturally, this figure is orientation, since the equivalent of cigarettes will depend the number of polluting particles present in the air, being able to reach cases in the air. similar to that of an active smoker).

The only way to avoid the artificial greenhouse effect goes through Stop emitting these greenhouse gases to the atmosphere and eliminating those who have already been released. To do this, it is fundamental reduce fossil fuel consumption (coal, oil, natural gas, as well as all its derivatives). This can be achieved by using renewable energies that replace them, as well as reducing our dependence and consumption of transports that make use of these energy sources. A good way is to use Sustainable transport like him public service, the bicycle or, simply, walk. In addition, it is also important to buy local products, since, not having to be transported, its production has involved a lower emission of artificial greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Another very important way to minimize greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere is Reduce the consumption of food from animal origin (Meat, fish, eggs, dairy, etc.

On the other hand, in addition to reducing this type of emissions, it is essential to counteract those that have already been issued and continued to be issued. To do this, the best solution is stop deforestation and support reforestation programs. The trees act as air purifiers. They absorb CO2 and release O2oxygen that, in addition to avoiding the greenhouse effect, we need to breathe human beings. In addition, they also absorb a good part of the polluting gases present in the atmosphere, so they act as a treatment plant that not only give us oxygen, but also health. In this way, the more forests and green areas, the more we will counteract the consequences of the artificial greenhouse effect.

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