We have all heard of greenhouse gas emissions and the term is becoming more commonplace as concerns over global warming and climate change increase. The earth’s atmosphere acts like a greenhouse in the way that it retains some of the sun’s heat. Greenhouse gas emissions are those which are considered to increase this heat retention.
Greenhouse gas emissions include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, hydro fluorocarbons, per fluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride, although there are also others. Whilst many of these gases are produced naturally, mankind has significantly increased the rate of greenhouse gas emissions through the burning of fossil fuels at ever increasing rates. This has been of concern for many years, but it is only in recent times that governments in the developed world have realised the effects that this is having on the planet. Greenhouse gas emissions are causing climate change at an alarming rate and it is imperative to reduce emissions in order to stave off the worst case scenarios being described by scientists.
The greenhouse effect caused by greenhouse gas emissions will result in higher temperatures and a rise in sea levels, which in turn will result in coastal flooding. In addition, hotter nations will feel the effects of increased water and food shortages. The loss of tropical forests due to higher temperatures will also have the added effect of causing more carbon dioxide to be caught in the atmosphere as it will no longer be absorbed by the forests’ trees and plants.
Greenhouse gas emissions are a real threat to the earth and we can all play our part in reducing them. Take a look through the UK Energy Saving website for lots of information on saving energy and reducing your carbon footprint.
