Climate Change and Human Activities: A Bright Future Ahead
How do human activities impact the natural greenhouse effect?
a. Exacerbate the natural greenhouse effect
b. Diminish the greenhouse effect
c. Eliminate the greenhouse effect
d. Have no impact on the greenhouse effect
Final answer:
Human activities exacerbate the natural greenhouse effect by increasing greenhouse gas concentrations through actions such as burning fossil fuels and agriculture. This enhanced effect contributes to global warming and its associated climate change impacts. The correct answer is option a.
Explanation:
Human activities exacerbate the natural greenhouse effect by increasing the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. These activities include the burning of fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide, and agricultural practices, which release both carbon dioxide and methane. Since the Industrial Revolution, humans have significantly raised the levels of these gases, which trap more heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.
The top three greenhouse gases affecting Earth's climate are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). These gases absorb infrared radiation, preventing it from escaping into space, thereby warming the planet. The enhanced greenhouse effect is a major concern because it leads to changes in climate that can have widespread impacts on natural ecosystems and human societies, including increased coastal flooding, scarcity of food and water, and potentially heightened levels of conflict over resources.