Natural Greenhouse Effect:
The natural greenhouse effect is a process by which the Earth's atmosphere traps some of the Sun's
energy, warming the planet enough to sustain life. It is important for maintaining Earth's
temperature within a range suitable for living organisms.
The Sun emits energy in the form of solar radiation, which reaches the Earth’s surface through the
atmosphere. The Earth's surface absorbs this energy, then reflects it back as infrared radiation
(heat). Some of this heat escapes into space, but some of it is absorbed by greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere, such as CO2, methane, and water vapor.
These gases then re-radiate the heat back towards the Earth, preventing it from escaping, thus
warming the planet. This is vital for keeping the Earth's average temperature around 15°C, without
which it would be much colder, making life difficult.
Artificial Greenhouse Effect:
The artificial greenhouse effect occurs when human activities increase the concentration of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This increases the natural effect, resulting in the increased
warming of the Earth’s surface.
Emissions produced due to human activity include burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas),
deforestation, industrial processes, and agricultural practices. These have significantly raised
levels of CO2, methane, chlorofluorocarbons and nitrous oxide.
Unlike the natural greenhouse effect, which is necessary for life on Earth, the artificial greenhouse
effect is causing global temperatures to increase faster than ever before. The excess heat trapped
in the atmosphere leads to climate change, resulting in more frequent extreme weather events,
melting polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and disruption of ecosystems.
The artificial greenhouse effect is a big reason for the current environmental issues, thus urgent
efforts to reduce emissions and start using sustainable practices are important for minimizing its
impact.
Greenhouses:
A greenhouse is a structure used in agriculture to create a controlled environment for growing
plants. It consists of a transparent glass or plastic that allows sunlight to enter while trapping heat
inside. The main function of a greenhouse is to provide an optimal climate for plant growth,
especially in areas with less favorable weather conditions.
Greenhouses use the natural greenhouse effect. Sunlight passes through the transparent walls,
warming the interior and allowing plants to photosynthesize. The heat is trapped inside because the
longer infrared radiation which is re-emitted from the surfaces cannot escape easily through the
transparent walls. This creates a warm, humid environment favorable to plant growth, even in
colder climates.
