What is the Greenhouse effect?
When the sun's warmth is trapped into a planets lower atmosphere because the atmosphere is exposed to visible radiation from the sun rather than infrared radiation which comes from the planets surface. Greenhouse gas like carbon dioxide trap heat in our atmosphere which keeps our planet warm (EPA).
The Greenhouse Effect
What is Greenhouse gas?
Greenhouse gas is a major contributor to the greenhouse effect as it absorbs infrared radiation such as carbon dioxide and chlorofluorocarbons.
Greenhouse Gas is released into the atmosphere
Scientists think that there is a correlation between the rise in global temperatures, increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide because “when carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, it acts like the ceiling of a greenhouse, trapping solar energy and retarding the escape of reflected heat.” (McAdams,2009).
Some greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide occur naturally which are emitted to the atmosphere through natural processes and human activities.
Other greenhouse gases (e.g., fluorinated gases) are created and emitted solely through human activities. The principal greenhouse gases that enter the atmosphere because of human activities are:
Air pollutants are described by The Clean Air Act and EPA as “any air pollution agent or combination of such agents, including any physical, chemical, biological, radioactive…substance or matter which is emitted into or otherwise enters the ambient air” (McAdams,2009).
Some greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide occur naturally which are emitted to the atmosphere through natural processes and human activities.
Other greenhouse gases (e.g., fluorinated gases) are created and emitted solely through human activities. The principal greenhouse gases that enter the atmosphere because of human activities are:
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal), solid waste, trees and wood products, and also as a result of other chemical reactions (e.g., manufacture of cement). Carbon dioxide is also removed from the atmosphere (or “sequestered”) when it is absorbed by plants as part of the biological carbon cycle.
- Methane (CH4): Methane is emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Methane emissions also result from livestock and other agricultural practices and by the decay of organic waste in municipal solid waste landfills.
- Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.
- Fluorinated Gases: Hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride are synthetic, powerful greenhouse gases that are emitted from a variety of industrial processes. Fluorinated gases are sometimes used as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances (i.e., CFCs, HCFCs, and halons). These gases are typically emitted in smaller quantities, but because they are potent greenhouse gases, they are sometimes referred to as High Global Warming Potential gases (“High GWP gases”). (U.S. EPA, 2011).
Air pollutants are described by The Clean Air Act and EPA as “any air pollution agent or combination of such agents, including any physical, chemical, biological, radioactive…substance or matter which is emitted into or otherwise enters the ambient air” (McAdams,2009).
EPA Director announces no EPA regulation for green houses this year
Clean Skies News talks to David Doniger, Policy Director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, about Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson announcing that the EPA will not make any moves to regulate green house gases this year. Retrieved from Youtube.com June 14, 2011
Septic Tanks emit 40 % of all Greenhouse Gas
According to the American Institute of Architects, houses, not cars, contribute more that 40% of all greenhouse gases. Fully vented septic tanks and rooftop septic vent pipes are the major culprits. Sweetfilters are easy to install vent filters that capture these gases and their awful odors for up to 5 years before recycle as a soil fertilizer. Retrieved from Youtube.com June 14, 2011
Countries around the World are Uniting to make changes to improve our environment
Environmental issues have been recognized as a global issue due to global warming and pollution which is damaging our air, water and fuel supply as well as our ecosystem. Countries around the world are now in the process of trying to help improve our environment. "On 1 October 2010 thirty-eight governments, the European Commission, the Asian Development Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank launched the Global Methane Initiative (GMI) to urge stronger international action to fight climate change while developing clean energy and stronger economies." (Global Methane Initiative, June, 2011).
Since it's inception, Project Initiative has really taken off, in the latest release from EPA on Jan. 05, 2011 major projects have been implemented around the world, "the Initiative has added multiple Partner Governments and private and non-government participants who work collaboratively to implement projects around the globe.
Public and private sector organizations around the world are now working together with government agencies to facilitate methane reduction projects in agriculture, coal mines, landfills and oil and gas systems. This collaboration is yielding important benefits, including enhanced economic growth and energy security, improved air quality and industrial safety, and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions." (Global Initiative, Jan. 2011)
Global Methane Initiative. (June 14, 2011). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
http://www.epa.gov/globalmethane/
Global Methane Initiative.(January, 05, 2011). U.S. Environmental Agency.
http://www.epa.gov/globalmethane/initiative.htm
Since it's inception, Project Initiative has really taken off, in the latest release from EPA on Jan. 05, 2011 major projects have been implemented around the world, "the Initiative has added multiple Partner Governments and private and non-government participants who work collaboratively to implement projects around the globe.
Public and private sector organizations around the world are now working together with government agencies to facilitate methane reduction projects in agriculture, coal mines, landfills and oil and gas systems. This collaboration is yielding important benefits, including enhanced economic growth and energy security, improved air quality and industrial safety, and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions." (Global Initiative, Jan. 2011)
Global Methane Initiative. (June 14, 2011). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
http://www.epa.gov/globalmethane/
Global Methane Initiative.(January, 05, 2011). U.S. Environmental Agency.
http://www.epa.gov/globalmethane/initiative.htm
-
Fossil Fuels & You
-
Algae-Alternative Fuel Source?
-
Solar Energy
<
>
Easy to understand explanation of what fossil fuels are and how they affect you.
Scientists are looking for alternative fuel sources to use before our run out. Could Algae be the solution to our energy crisis?
Solar energy is a way of harnessing the power of the sun to create electricity. Using solar powered generators, solar panels, lightbulbs, etc. can help you save money.
Related Links
Environmental Protection Agency Links
Performance standards are available for the following project types:
- Captured Methane End Use (new project type) (PDF) (23 pp, 244K) August 2008
- Commercial Boiler (PDF) (21 pp, 233K) August 2008
- Industrial Boiler (PDF) (28 pp, 505K) August 2008
- Landfill Methane (PDF) (21 pp, 291K) August 2008
- Manure Management: Anaerobic Digester (PDF) (27 pp, 350K) August 2008
- Reforestation/Afforestation
Project accounting methodology (PDF) (22 pp, 201K) August 2008
Reforestation/Afforestation Project Carbon Online Estimator Tool (RAPCOE) - Transit Bus Efficiency (PDF) (21 pp, 256K) August 2008
Home/Mission statement/Privacy Policy/Terms of Use/Disclaimer/Health & Nutrition Tips/Health & Beauty/Budget Tips/Natural Remedies for Back Pain/Car Tips/Cleaning Tips/Exercise Tips/Energy Savings/Fossil Fuels/Lawn & Garden Tips/Healthy Hair Tips/Free Printable Lists/Old Fashioned Recipe's/Skin Care Tips/How to Grow Vegetables/How to Can Fruits & Vegetables/Vegan Tips/Anti Aging Tips/How to Get Rid of Home & Garden Pests/Eating Plants & Herbs for Good Health/Safety Tips/Weatherizing Tips/Home Repair Tips/Spring Cleaning Tips/Fall Cleaning Tips/Yard Sale Tips
Contact Us: [email protected]
This website created by Rev.Penny Dean
Contact Us: [email protected]
This website created by Rev.Penny Dean
References
Hurley, L. (Dec. 6, 2010). Supreme Court Takes Up Climate 'Nuisance' Case. The New York Times. Retrieved June, 13, 2011.
McAdams, T. Neslund, N. Zucker, K.D,(2009).Law, business and society. Ninth edition. McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Climate change/Greenhouse Gases/United States Environmental Protection Agency/April 20, 2011.
The Greenhouse Effect. (2018). YouTube. Retrieved 16 June 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYMjSule0Bw
Hurley, L. (Dec. 6, 2010). Supreme Court Takes Up Climate 'Nuisance' Case. The New York Times. Retrieved June, 13, 2011.
McAdams, T. Neslund, N. Zucker, K.D,(2009).Law, business and society. Ninth edition. McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Climate change/Greenhouse Gases/United States Environmental Protection Agency/April 20, 2011.
The Greenhouse Effect. (2018). YouTube. Retrieved 16 June 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYMjSule0Bw