Thursday, June 12, 2008
Have you been wondering why are we feeling warmer and hotter these days? The hot and sultry days are due to the greenhouse gases trapped within the earth's atmosphere causing global warming.
So what is global warming?
Global warming is an increase in the earth's average surface temperature.
Maybe that is why ice-creams melt faster these days. Isn't it? Or do you feel shorter because the water level was actually until your
ankle when you stand near the shore but now comes up to your kneecap? Yes, possibly due to rising sea levels.
Why are we facing global warming?
This is because of the greenhouse gases which prevents the heat we are receiving from the space to be bounced back into the space. This is known as greenhouse effect. However, we do need the greenhouse gases so as to keep the earth warm and not cold to an extent that we will have only have ice caps all over.
Unfortunately, too much greenhouse gases could harm our earth by increasing its temperature.
What are the greenhouse gases then?
The major greenhouse gas that takes up 76% of greenhouse gases would be carbon dioxide. Cars also contribute to the carbon dioxide in the air.
Deforestation is also another major factor that is contributing to the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Also, fossil fuels that are burnt to provide electricity to our homes and electrical appliances contribute to the amount of carbon dioxide in the air causing a rise in greenhouse effect.
We will give you tips on how to save energy hence saving the amount of fossil fuels burnt in power stations.
Up next would be methane gas which take up 13% of the greenhouse gases. Unlike carbon dioxide, it is highly flammable. Imagine lighting a flame in the air if carbon dioxide was a flammable gas. On the other hand, like carbon dioxide, it is colourless and odourless. Animals such as sheep, cows, goats, camels and buffaloes contribute most to the percentage of methane in the air.
Bacteria in their stomach break down the food they take in and convert part of it to methane. When they burp, methane will be released into the atmosphere. Although methane stays in the air for a decade, it traps the heat 20 times more than carbon dioxide. Wow, isn't that a disaster if the animals which produce methane by burping start to burp all at the same time?
Third gas which take up 6% of the greenhouse gases on earth would be nitrous oxide. It is also a colourless gas however possesses a sweet scent. It is commonly used in hospitals for anesthetics purposes so that patients will not feel any pain while surgeons are cutting up their body parts. It is also widely known as laughing gas. HAHAHAHA
This gas is naturally released from the bacteria living in soil and from oceans. In addition, fertilizers which give nutrients to the crops are nitrogen based break down in the soil to release nitrous oxide.Unlike methane which would disappear a decade later, nitrous oxide will still stay in our atmosphere a century later.
The last gas which take up 5% of the greenhouse gas would be fluorocarbons. One example would be chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which are released by the use of aerosol sprays, foam packaging and solvents in the industries. It is also released through the coolants in refrigerators, air-conditioners, and machinery in various factories.
To alleviate the emissions of fluorocarbons, ensure that the leaks are properly fixed in refrigerators and air-conditioners and that the coolant is recycled. During the disposal of these two items, make sure that the coolant is covered properly to prevent the gas to be released into the air.
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Climate change not only affects the ice caps and houses that polar bears live in. Everyone should play a part and be concern about how climate change would affect us in our daily lives.
1) Rise in sea level,
2) Perspiring in the day and at night as well,
3) Increase in food prices from countries we import food from,
4) More diseases would be easily spread around and,
5) Change of weather patterns such as, raining when it is supposed to be sunny.
Tips to fight climate change and conserve energy
hence, save money.
+ Instead of using the air-conditioner, use the fan instead! Remember to switch off the air-conditioner whenever not in use and while u already have a fan on.
+ Can't live without you air-conditioner due to the hotter days and nights? Sure, why not increase the temperature setting to 25°C. You will feel as comfortable as well.
+ Do not switch any electrical appliances to standby mode. Switch them off as standby would add up to 10% of your electrical bill.
+ Use energy-efficient lamps/compact fluorescent lamps to save energy. Why? They last much longer (up to ten times longer than standard bulbs) and save money as well!
+ Wash your clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot.
+ Implementing our idea of green building for shading outdoor air-conditioning units. It works!
+ Make use of microwave instead of conventional over or stove whenever you can.
+ Also, when preparing a meal in your oven, try to use foods that are cooked at about the same temperature. That way your oven can cook several dishes at the same time.
Environmentalist Blogged:8:28 PM
