The greenhouse effect is a phenomenon where global temperatures rise resulting from solar heat energy getting trapped in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases. Many experts believe that greenhouse gas emissions are the primary causative factor of global warming. For clarity purposes, greenhouse gases include things such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and Nitrous oxide. The greenhouse effect can be effectively reduced by taking steps that curb greenhouse gas emissions. Below, we take a look at some of these steps that you and I can take to play our role in reducing greenhouse emissions.
Among the most effective ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions is limiting overall energy consumption. Energy used in most of the forms available at the moment often comes at the expense of negative consequences such as greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere. A good example is the electricity that gets produced in coal power plants, which release a lot of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by burning coal. By limiting machines and devices that run on fossil fuels e.g. chainsaws, lawnmowers, vehicles et cetera, we can to a large extent get rid of a huge chunk of greenhouse gases we emit as humans. Relying more on clean energy solutions is a very effective strategy in combating the greenhouse effect, while still having all the energy require. Energy sources such as wind and solar, and the use of hybrid vehicles should be highly encouraged.
Needless consumption that leads to piles of waste is a great contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. All the physical products that we use e.g. food products, boxes, toys, magazines and so on, need significant energy during production and disposal as well. If each individual around the world were to buy less needless products, the demand for the said products would significantly reduce, hence applying downward pressure on energy demands and subsequent emissions of greenhouse gases associated with production and disposal of these products. People should therefore as much as possible opt for greener alternatives for whatever they want. For instance, people that like to read magazines could look for online subscriptions, hence forgoing the need for paper derived from trees. Another good example is avoiding aerosol products that use pressurized gases e.g. canned air, since they release plenty of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Another very festive and more obvious way of reducing the greenhouse effect is planting trees. Owing to their natural cycle, plants inhale/absorb carbon dioxide from the air to use during photosynthesis, the process necessary for deriving energy from the sun’s light. Therefore, since carbon dioxide is among the most common greenhouse gases, planting more trees and having an abundance of plants around us will draw much of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and subsequently, reduce the greenhouse effect. Another benefit of planting trees is the significant energy savings that can be achieved. Large trees that can provide shade to homes and people during the scorching summer sun can be useful in reducing any need for air conditioning, a luxury that largely depends on electricity.