• Without the greenhouse effect we

would be living in a very chilly

place—the world's average
temperature would be -18°C,
instead of the 15°C we are used
 NATURAL
GREENHOUSE
What is natural greenhouse effect?

• A phenomenon caused by gases naturally present

in the atmosphere that affect the behavior of the
heat energy radiated by the sun.

• Sunlight (shortwave radiation) passes through

the atmosphere, and is absorbed by Earth’s
surface. 
How does it affect the earth?

• This warms Earth’s surface, and then Earth radiates

some of this energy (as infrared, or longwave
radiation) back towards space.

• As it passes through the atmosphere, gases such as

water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous
oxide absorb most of the energy. 
How does it affect the earth?

• The energy is then re-emitted in all

directions, so some energy escapes
into space, but less than would have
escaped if the atmosphere and its
greenhouse gases weren’t there.
 Why is it called greenhouse effect?

• This process is
known as the
greenhouse
effect because it
is similar to how
a greenhouse
works.
EARTH’S ENERGY
BALANCE
• The rate at which energy is absorbed by
Earth is approximately balanced by the
rate at which it is emitted back into
space, keeping the Earth in what’s
known as a state of equilibrium, and at
a stable temperature.
• In the state of equilibrium that existed
during the centuries up until Industrial
Revolution, which started in the late
1700s, the natural greenhouse effect
maintained the average temperature of
Earth’s surface at around 15°C.
• Advances in human technology
have accelerated pollution levels,
disrupting the atmosphere's ability
to keep a stable temperature. 
 THE CHANGE IN
THE COMPOSITION
OF THE
• Earth's atmosphere is made up of 78 per
cent nitrogen and 21 per cent oxygen. Only
about 1 per cent is made up of natural
greenhouse gases, but this comparatively
small amount of gas makes a big
difference. 
 ENHANCED
GREENHOUSE
Present Consequences

• Decrease in arctic ice extent, snow cover and

glacier
• Rise in sea level
• Increase in surface ocean temperatures
• Increase of CO2 absorbed by the ocean
–ocean acidification
What is enhanced greenhouse effect?

• The disruption to Earth’s climate

equilibrium caused by the increased
concentrations of greenhouse gases has led
to an increase in the global average surface
temperatures.
Future consequences

• Earth’s surface will get warmer

• Changes in global rainfall, ocean
circulation and extreme weather
events
• Increase in sea level
Further consequences

•Global agriculture
•Biodiversity
•Human health
A NATIONAL AND
INTERNATIONAL
• An increase in global temperature would
bring changes to the entire planet, and
therefore to every nation. This makes it
an international issue which needs
worldwide study and responses.
GLOBAL WARMING
Causes
• Global warming occurs when carbon
dioxide and other air pollutants collect
in the atmosphere and absorb sunlight
and solar radiation that have bounced
off the earth’s surface.
Is earth getting hotter?

• Over the past 50 years, the average

global temperature has increased at the
fastest rate in recorded history.
• And experts see the trend is
accelerating.
Extreme Weather
• Earth’s rising temperatures causes:
–longer and hotter heat waves
–more frequent droughts
–heavier rainfall
–more powerful hurricanes 
CONSEQUENCES
• Melting glaciers, early snowmelt, and
severe droughts will cause more
dramatic water shortages and increase
the risk of wildfires.
•Rising sea levels will
lead to coastal flooding.
• Forests, farms, and cities will
face troublesome new pests, heat
waves, heavy downpours, and
increased flooding.
• Disruption of habitats such as
coral reefs could drive many
plant and animal species to
extinction.
•Allergies, asthma, and
infectious disease outbreaks
will become more common.
DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN
GREENHOUSE
•Greenhouse gases
contribute to global
warming.