GREENHOUSE EFFECT

PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

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GREENHOUSE EFFECT

1. Greenhouse Effect

The Greenhouse Effect is a natural process that keeps the Earth warm enough to support life. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), water vapour, and ozone absorb outgoing infrared radiation from the Earth's surface and trap heat in the atmosphere. Without this process, the Earth's average temperature would be about −18°C instead of 15°C, making life impossible. Human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial emissions have increased greenhouse gas concentrations, strengthening the greenhouse effect. This enhanced greenhouse effect is the primary cause of global warming and climate change.

2. Effects of Global Warming

Global warming has serious environmental, economic, and social impacts across the world. Rising temperatures cause glaciers and polar ice caps to melt, leading to sea-level rise and coastal flooding. Weather patterns become unpredictable, resulting in heat waves, droughts, floods, cyclones, and wildfires. Agriculture suffers because changing rainfall patterns reduce crop productivity. Biodiversity declines as many plants and animals lose their natural habitats. Ocean temperatures increase, causing coral bleaching and marine ecosystem damage. Human health is also affected through heat-related illnesses, water shortages, and the spread of diseases. Global warming threatens food security, livelihoods, ecosystems, and sustainable development worldwide.

3. Global Warming

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to the enhanced greenhouse effect. Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities such as burning coal, oil, and natural gas, deforestation, industrial production, and intensive agriculture have increased greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon dioxide is the largest contributor, followed by methane and nitrous oxide. The rise in global temperature disrupts climate systems, melts glaciers, raises sea levels, and increases the frequency of extreme weather events. Global warming is considered one of the greatest environmental challenges because it threatens ecosystems, biodiversity, food production, water resources, and human well-being.

4. Measures to Control Global Warming

Controlling global warming requires reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower should replace fossil fuels. Energy-efficient technologies, electric vehicles, and public transport help lower emissions. Afforestation and reforestation increase carbon absorption by forests. Sustainable agricultural practices reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions. Recycling, waste management, and reduced plastic use also contribute to climate protection. International agreements like the Paris Agreement encourage countries to meet emission reduction targets. Public awareness, climate-friendly lifestyles, and government policies promoting green technologies are essential for limiting global temperature rise and protecting future generations.

5. Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty adopted in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It legally committed developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions based on the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). The Protocol came into force in 2005. It introduced mechanisms such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Joint Implementation (JI), and Carbon Trading to help countries meet emission targets. Although its impact was limited due to the absence of some major emitters, the Kyoto Protocol laid the foundation for future international climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement.

6. Sustainable Development

Sustainable development means meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social welfare. Sustainable development promotes renewable energy, conservation of biodiversity, efficient use of natural resources, pollution control, climate action, and responsible consumption. The United Nations adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 to achieve sustainable development by 2030. These goals address poverty, education, health, clean energy, climate change, gender equality, and environmental conservation. Sustainable development ensures long-term prosperity while protecting ecosystems and improving the quality of life for all people.

7. Major Climate Change Conferences (COP Conferences)

The Conference of Parties (COP) is the annual meeting of countries under the UNFCCC to discuss climate change policies. Important conferences include Kyoto (COP3, 1997), which adopted the Kyoto Protocol; Copenhagen (COP15, 2009), which produced the Copenhagen Accord; Paris (COP21, 2015), where the historic Paris Agreement was signed to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C; and Glasgow (COP26, 2021), which strengthened climate commitments and introduced India's Panchamrit pledges. Recent COP meetings continue to focus on climate finance, adaptation, carbon reduction, zs, and achieving net-zero emissions globally.3