Climate Change
The temperature of our planet is the result of a delicate balance between energy coming in from the sun and energy being emitted from the Earth’s surface into space. The energy coming in through the atmosphere remains relatively constant, however some of the energy emanating from the Earth is absorbed by gases in the atmosphere, and re-emitted downwards. This process is essential, as without it, the Earth would be too cold to be habitable. However, any increase in the volume of these energy-absorbing gases in the atmosphere will consequently decrease the amount of heat energy escaping from the Earth’s atmosphere. This will result in Global Warming and associated climate change effects.
The climate change occurring today is a man-made problem caused by the volume of greenhouse gases that are pumped into the atmosphere from a range of sources including: industrial discharges, transport emissions, and from households.
The most important greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO 2), methane, nitrous oxide, and the so-called fluorinated gases. Each greenhouse gas has a different capacity to cause global warming, and it is estimated that CO 2 will be responsible for about two thirds of the expected future warming. One of the reasons for this is due to the sheer quantities released: approximately 6.5 billion tonnes globally each year. Atmospheric CO 2 levels have increased dramatically over the last 100 years. Pre-industrial CO 2 levels were 270 ppm (parts per million), while the latest data suggests that current levels now stand at 381 ppm.
We continue to add to this problem due to our reliance on conventional fossil fuels such as gas, oil, and coal to provide the energy for our homes, workplaces and transport. Due to our carbon intensive lifestyles, there has been a huge increase in the amount of greenhouse gases emitted to the atmosphere.
An additional issue is that we are running out of fossil fuels to supply our energy. The UK used to be self-sufficient in supplies of gas and oil, but in 2004 we became a net importer. It is estimated that by 2015, we could be importing a much as 75% of our gas supplies.
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