Greenhouse Gas Emission
Definition: Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases in the atmosphere that trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space. This process is called the Greenhouse Effect.
Major Greenhouse Gases:
| Gas | Source | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon dioxide (CO₂) | Burning of fossil fuels, deforestation | ~60% |
| Methane (CH₄) | Agriculture, landfills, natural gas leaks | ~20% |
| Nitrous oxide (N₂O) | Fertilizers, industries | ~6% |
| CFCs | Refrigeration, aerosols | ~14% |
| Water vapor (H₂O) | Evaporation | Variable |
Effects:
- Increases global temperature
- Causes climate change and melting of glaciers
- Leads to sea-level rise and biodiversity loss
Prevention:
- Use renewable energy
- Improve energy efficiency
- Promote afforestation
- Reduce vehicle emissions
Climate Change
Definition: Long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns caused mainly by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
Major Causes:
- Greenhouse gas emissions
- Deforestation
- Industrial pollution
- Urbanization
Effects:
- Rising global temperature
- Irregular rainfall and droughts
- Melting glaciers and sea-level rise
- Extreme weather conditions
Control Measures:
- Reduce CO₂ emissions
- Promote clean energy
- Adopt sustainable practices
Global Warming
Definition: Rise in Earth’s average temperature due to increased greenhouse gases.
Causes:
- Industrialization and energy production
- Deforestation
- Excessive use of CFCs
Effects:
- Melting glaciers
- Flooding and droughts
- Loss of biodiversity
- Extreme weather
Solutions:
- Reduce fossil fuel usage
- Increase forest cover
- Follow international agreements (Paris Accord, Kyoto Protocol)
Resource Depletion
Definition: Exhaustion of natural resources due to overuse and unsustainable practices.
Types: Renewable (sun, wind) and Non-renewable (coal, oil, gas)
Reasons:
- Overpopulation
- Excessive mining
- Deforestation
- Overfishing and energy wastage
Issues:
- Resource shortage
- Environmental degradation
- Economic instability
Prevention:
- Follow 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
- Shift to renewable energy
- Conserve water and energy
Human and Ecosystem Toxicity
Definition: Harmful effects of pollutants and chemicals on humans, animals, and the environment.
Sources:
- Industrial waste
- Pesticides and fertilizers
- Air and water pollution
Effects:
- Respiratory diseases
- Aquatic life death
- Soil contamination
- Bioaccumulation in food chain
Prevention:
- Use eco-friendly products
- Strict waste management laws
- Promote organic farming
Smog
Definition: Combination of Smoke + Fog caused by pollution in the air.
Types:
- Classical Smog: Occurs in cold, humid conditions (SO₂ + soot).
- Photochemical Smog: Occurs in sunny, dry conditions (NOx + hydrocarbons).
Effects:
- Eye and throat irritation
- Breathing problems
- Reduced visibility
Control:
- Use catalytic converters
- Promote public transport
- Ban waste burning
Ozone Depletion
Definition: Thinning of the ozone layer due to CFCs and other chemicals.
Causes:
- Use of CFCs in refrigerants
- Halons and nitrogen oxides
Effects:
- Increased UV radiation
- Skin cancer and eye diseases
- Damage to plants and marine life
Control Measures:
- Ban on CFCs (Montreal Protocol, 1987)
- Use ozone-friendly products
Environmental Statutory Bodies
CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board): Formed under the Water Act, 1974. Monitors air and water quality, sets standards, and enforces pollution laws.
SPCB (State Pollution Control Boards): Enforce pollution control at the state level and inspect industries.
MOEFCC: Responsible for national environmental policies and forest conservation.
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency – USA): Protects human health and environment through regulation and research.
WHO (World Health Organization): Sets global air and water quality standards and monitors environmental health.
EPA, CPCB & WHO Norms
| Organization | Key Role | Norms/Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| EPA (USA) | Protects environment & public health | Air, water, emission standards |
| CPCB (India) | Monitors pollution levels | Air pollutants permissible limits |
| WHO | Global health standards | Safe air and water quality guidelines |
Summary
| Topic | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Greenhouse Gases | Trap heat, cause global warming |
| Climate Change | Long-term change in weather patterns |
| Global Warming | Rise in Earth's temperature |
| Resource Depletion | Overuse of natural resources |
| Toxicity | Pollutants harmful to living beings |
| Smog | Polluted air mix of smoke & fog |
| Ozone Depletion | Loss of ozone layer protection |
| CPCB, WHO, EPA | Regulatory agencies for environment safety |
Key Terms
- Greenhouse Effect: Trapping of heat by gases.
- Kyoto Protocol: Treaty to reduce greenhouse gases.
- Montreal Protocol: Treaty to protect ozone layer.
- Sustainable Use: Using resources wisely.
- Carbon Footprint: Total greenhouse gases by human activities.
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