Poison for One – Food for Another

Climate and greenhouse effect

Climate refers to the long-term patterns of weather conditions in a region or globally. It includes various elements such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, winds and weather conditions that characterise the average weather conditions observed over a long period, usually spanning decades or centuries. It is important to note that climate should NOT be confused with weather. Weather refers to the short-term and daily variations in atmospheric conditions, while climate refers to the long-term average of these weather patterns. Climate is influenced by a combination of factors including the Earth’s rotation, topography, elevation, geographic position, solar radiation, atmospheric circulation and atmospheric fronts, ocean currents, and the presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide is considered a greenhouse gas, meaning it can trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. How does this process work?

When the Sun’s rays reach the Earth, they are absorbed by land, oceans and vegetation. As these surfaces warm, they begin to radiate the radiation back. Greenhouse gases can selectively absorb and emit some of this radiation. Carbon dioxide, which is also a greenhouse gas, is particularly efficient at this process, meaning that it can absorb and re-emit much of the radiation that leaves our planet. But in doing so, CO₂ “traps” this radiation inside the Earth, heating it. The more carbon dioxide there is in our atmosphere, the more this phenomenon occurs, leading to a steady rise in temperature.

This property is essential for keeping the planet’s temperature within a range suitable for life, a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect. However, as mentioned above, excessive emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, mainly due to the excessive burning of fossil fuels for energy production, have led to an increase in the greenhouse effect, resulting in global warming and climate change. Rising levels of CO₂ in the atmosphere are of concern because of their potential long-term consequences for the environment and human well-being. Efforts are being made worldwide to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, promote sustainable practices and develop CO₂ capture and storage technologies to mitigate its impact on climate change.