Q.What do you mean by Greenhouse effect? What are the different ways by which Global Warming takes place? (2+3)
You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →The greenhouse effect is the natural warming of Earth's atmosphere by greenhouse gases trapping outgoing heat; global warming results when human activities excessively increase these gases, enhancing the effect beyond its natural, life-sustaining level.
Greenhouse effect: the natural process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere — chiefly carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), water vapour, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), collectively called greenhouse gases — absorb and re-radiate the long-wave (infrared) heat radiation reflected back from the Earth's surface, rather than letting it escape directly into space. This traps heat within the atmosphere in a manner similar to the glass panels of a greenhouse trapping heat inside, and it is this natural effect that keeps the Earth's average temperature warm enough (about 15°C) to support life. Without any greenhouse effect at all, Earth's surface would be far too cold for life to exist. The problem is not the greenhouse effect itself, but its excessive enhancement by human activity.
Different ways by which global warming takes place (i.e., how human activity intensifies the natural greenhouse effect):
- Burning of fossil fuels: combustion of coal, petroleum and natural gas in vehicles, industries and power plants releases enormous quantities of CO₂, the single largest contributor to enhanced greenhouse warming.
- Deforestation: large-scale clearing of forests removes trees that would otherwise absorb atmospheric CO₂ through photosynthesis, reducing the Earth's capacity to remove this greenhouse gas and simultaneously often involves burning, which itself releases stored carbon.
- Increased methane (CH₄) emissions: from sources like paddy field cultivation, livestock (cattle) digestion, and decomposition of waste in landfills — methane is a far more potent greenhouse gas per molecule than CO₂. …
Unlock everything free for 14 days
- Full step-by-step solutions
- Concept-first explanations
- Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.