The greenhouse effect is a natural process that keeps the Earth’s surface warm. When the Sun’s energy reaches the Earth’s atmosphere, some of it is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases.
Enhanced greenhouse effect is caused by the increase in energy absorption due to the increase in greenhouse gases produced from human activities.
Why is it important?
The existence of natural greenhouse effect is necessary to keep the Earth’s surface warm enough to support life. However, enhanced greenhouse effect causes the Earth’s temperature to be higher than from the natural greenhouse effect. Such temperature increase causes major climatic changes which could affect Earth’s ability to sustain life.
It is important to assess its potential impact in order to come up with short-term and long-term strategies to mitigate it. This would ensure that the Earth’s climate is suitable to sustain not just our generation, but for generations to come.
“No challenge – no challenge – poses a greater threat to future generations than climate change.” – Barack Obama, former U.S. president
References:
(n.d.). Retrieved March 29, 2017, from http://windenergy.ie/president-obama-and-no-challenge-poses-a-greater-threat-to-future-generations-than-climate-change/