Global Warming

Today, one of the major biological issue is global warming. In the current century, this problem is becoming very common. Global warming is unusually increase in the Earth’s average temperature. Human activities is the main driver of global warming. Every country even the high progressive countries like U.S.A, India, etc., has been greatly influenced by it.

CAUSES OF GLOBAL WARMING:

1. The main factor that causes the global warming is the excessive burning of hydrocarbons (fossils fuels, polyethylene, wood). Oxidation of hydrocarbons releases the heat trapping gas such as carbon dioxide (CO₂).

C₂H₄     +     3O₂     →    2CO₂    +     2H₂0     + 821 KJmol^-1      (Combustion)

2. The consumption of petroleum and coal by vehicles produces heat trapping gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (NO₂), hydroflourocarbons (HFCs), perflourocarbons (PFCs), sulphur hexaflouride (SF₆), nitrogen triflouride (NF₃). These gases are responsible for this alarming issue.
3. The other cause of this phenomenon is deforestation. Deforestation is the cutting of forests/trees for human habitat.
4. If there are less trees, the percentage of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere exceeds to the normal value. The radiations of the Sun normally reflects back into the space after reaching the Earth.
   
   
   Carbon dioxide (CO₂) permits the radiation to pass through it but blocks the reflected rays (infrared rays). This trap of rays increases the Earth’s temperature.
5. The pollutants or gases that releases from industries influence global warming.

EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING:

• The Earth’s temperature goes on increasing day by day, as the result of global warming.
• It causes climate change. The duration and length of seasons effects adversely. The summer season extends in various countries.
• As this process increases the ratio of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the environment, may affects the photosynthesis. At very high concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂), photosynthesis may stop or slow down. Hence, plants growth will slow down.
• It depletes the ozone layer. The ozone layer protects us from the harmful radiations of the Sun. If these radiation reach our Earth, it causes many skin problems i.e., skin cancer, skin infection, dullness etc.
  
  
  In this century, some ozone holes have been seen in South Africa and some other countries.
• It also causes pollution and smog.

MEASUREMENTS FOR LOWERING GLOBAL WARMING:

• There should be decrease in the consumption of fossil fuels.
• There should be decrease in the use of automobiles. Instead of automobiles, use bicycle.
• There should be decrease in the usage of air conditioners and refrigerators.
• Afforestation and Reforestation.

APPLICATION:

In order to ensure a year-round supply of seasonal fruits and vegetables, farmers utilize the phenomenon of global warming. The plants growth increases by applying the concept of global warming. This is called greenhouse effect. In the green house effect, certain gases are entrapped in a green glass to grow plants rapidly.