- The-Greenhouse-Effect-0.mp3
- The-Greenhouse-Effect-0.mp4
- The-Greenhouse-Effect-I.mp3
- The-Greenhouse-Effect-I.mp4
- The-Greenhouse-Effect-Interlude.mp3
- The-Greenhouse-Effect-intro-crash.mp3
[Intro]
It’s a gas
(Rising fast)
Gas, gas, gas
(That we pass)
[Verse 1]
The greenhouse effect
(Is bound to affect you)
Failure from neglect
(Is sure to ensue)
[Bridge]
It’s a gas
(Rising fast)
Gas, gas, gas
(That we pass)
[Chorus]
Welcome to our glass house
(Come throwing stones)
The temperature you arouse
(Threatens blood and bones)
[Bridge]
Concentration
(Intensification)
Radiation
(Concentration)
Deforestation
(Intensification)
Pollution
(With no solution)
Solution
(No pollution)
[Verse 2]
Locked in our cage
(With our own rage)
Setting the stage
(For an outage)
[Bridge]
It’s a gas
(Rising fast)
Gas, gas, gas
(Passing gas)
[Chorus]
Welcome to our glass house
(Come throwing stones)
The temperature you arouse
(Spoils blood and bones)
[Bridge]
Concentration
(Intensification)
Radiation
(Concentration)
Deforestation
(Intensification)
[Outro]
Solution
(No pollution)
A Science Note
The phenomenon where solar radiation is trapped around the Earth, contributing to global warming and the climate crisis, is primarily caused by the greenhouse effect. This process involves the interaction between solar radiation, Earth’s atmosphere, and its surface. Here’s a detailed explanation:
1. The Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases in the Earth’s atmosphere trap heat. While it is essential for maintaining a habitable climate, human activities have intensified this effect, leading to global warming.
How It Works:
- Solar Radiation Enters the Atmosphere:
- The Sun emits energy as electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, ultraviolet (UV), and infrared (IR).
- Most of this radiation passes through the Earth’s atmosphere and reaches the surface.
- Earth Absorbs and Re-Radiates Energy:
- The Earth’s surface absorbs solar radiation and warms up.
- It re-emits energy as infrared (heat) radiation back toward space.
- Greenhouse Gases Trap Heat:
- Some of this infrared radiation escapes into space, but much of it is absorbed by greenhouse gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor) in the atmosphere.
- These gases then re-radiate the heat in all directions, including back toward Earth’s surface, trapping energy and warming the planet.
2. Human-Caused Intensification
Human activities have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, enhancing the greenhouse effect.
- Burning Fossil Fuels: Coal, oil, and natural gas combustion releases large amounts of CO₂.
- Deforestation: Reduces the Earth’s capacity to absorb CO₂.
- Agriculture: Methane emissions from livestock and rice paddies.
- Industrial Processes: Release of fluorinated gases and nitrous oxide.
3. Key Greenhouse Gases
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): From fossil fuels, deforestation.
- Methane (CH₄): From livestock, agriculture, and fossil fuel extraction.
- Nitrous Oxide (N₂O): From fertilizers and industrial processes.
- Fluorinated Gases: From refrigerants and industrial applications.