How Does Global Warming Occur?

This informational article will give you a basic summary as to how Global Warming occurs

Model demonstrating where sunlight goes as it approaches the Earth

Before Global Warming

There used to be a minimal concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere due to natural sources, which absorbed a bit of incoming sunlight. Sunlight that reached the Earth would be absorbed, and a little would bounce off and go back out into space. The heat absorbed by clouds and the Earth would go to sustaining life. There was a natural balance that allowed the Earth to remain at a steady temperature without too much heat, or too much cold.

Model of the greenhouse effect as sunlight heats the Earth more than it should

Now

Now, due to an overproduction of greenhouse gases more heat from sunlight is trapped as it enters our atmosphere. Shortly thereafter, the rays of sunlight that manage to get past the "wall" of greenhouse gases in the sky, are bounced off the Earth, and as those rays of sunlight fly out into space, their heat is captured once more by the greenhouse gases.

Greenhouse Gases

Carbon Dioxide

The most well known greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide can be emitted through the burning of coal, and deforestation.

Methane

The most interesting greenhouse gas, methane, can be emitted by cows, leaks at oil production facilities.

Nitrous Oxide

One of the most potent greenhouse gases, nitrous oxide is created when fossil fuels are burned.

How They Are Emitted?

Coal

Coal is carbon dioxide in a solid form, and when burned for energy, it releases carbon dioxide into our atmosphere.

Deforestation

When a tree is cut down, the carbon dioxide, and other greenhouse gases that it stores inside its trunk, are released. In fact, 10% of annual greenhouse gas emissions come from deforestation.

Cows

When cows pass gas, they release massive amounts of methane. 2% of annual greenhouse gas emissions comes from cows, but methane can trap 84 times more heat than CO2.

Oil Consumption

When oil is burned for energy, carbon dioxide is released, in fact petroleum makes up 41% of all carbon dioxide emissions annually, and 5% of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Agriculture

Various agricultural practices can lead to a disruption in the nitrogen cycle, causing the oxidation of nitrogen, creating nitrous oxide.

Fossil Fuels

When fossil fuels are burned, nearby nitrogen is oxidized, creating the most potent greenhouse gas. The burning of fossil fuels also releases other greenhouse gases including CO2.

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