With the increasing buzz around climate change and global warming, the whole idea of the greenhouse effect is being increasingly discussed. While some experts illustrate how greenhouse gases are important for sustainable growth, others highlight the detrimental effect it has on human existence. Invariably, there are both negative and positive effects of the greenhouse effect.

Before we jump to say if the greenhouse effect is good or bad, it will be a good idea to understand what is the greenhouse effect and what are its advantages and disadvantages of the greenhouse effect. This article will draw a comparison between the pros and cons of the greenhouse effect by delving deep into the whole phenomenon-

What is the Greenhouse Effect?

The greenhouse effect refers to a process where thermal radiation from the earth’s surface is reabsorbed by greenhouse gases and then radiated in all directions. The main greenhouse gases include Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Nitrous Oxide, and Ozone. However, the first three are more worrying when it comes to the greenhouse effect as Ozone’s detrimental role kicks in more with respect to global warming. How the greenhouse effect functions is a two-way process.

Firstly, being poor absorbers, these gases are unable to prevent the solar radiation that enters the earth’s surface. This in turn raises the earth’s temperature. However, these gases effectively absorb outgoing radiation and redirect it to the earth’s surface. This further adds to the earth’s temperature.

This in a nutshell is the greenhouse effect. For centuries, this process has been in play to maintain the earth’s temperature. In fact, some countries which have lower temperatures artificially replicate this mechanism to construct greenhouse buildings to create pleasant temperate conditions.

So what’s the Problem?

If we say that the greenhouse effect has been in play for centuries and is in fact a necessity for human existence, then the question remains, why is it a cause for concern over the past few years. Well, the answer is not too difficult to guess. The rise in the burning of fossil fuels and an increase in the carbon footprint across the globe is leading to an excess of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

This exponential increase in atmospheric CO₂  is creating a temperature imbalance. The logic is simple. As the amount of CO₂ is increasing so is its power to entrap solar radiation and direct it to the earth’s surface. This is contributing to an incremental rise in the earth’s temperature, which is now touching dangerous levels.

Additionally, the greenhouse effect is causing rapid climate change with global warming, melting glaciers, erratic temperate conditions, etc. Thus, it is not the greenhouse effect essentially which is the cause of the problem.

In fact, it is human interference that has ruined the balance between the incoming and outgoing radiation, due to increased  CO₂ which is problematic. 

Greenhouse Effect Advantages

To discount the contribution of the greenhouse effect by labeling it as evil is an overstatement. As mentioned above, the greenhouse effect is an important element of sustainable living. There are several greenhouse effect Advantages and Disadvantages. Some of the top benefits of greenhouse gases are as follows-

The greenhouse effect supports and promotes a life

It is no surprise that human existence and life are only possible at a certain temperature. While the earth’s atmosphere also faces variations, they are within a set limit and not too erratic. The greenhouse effect helps the earth maintain a decent temperature that makes this planet habitable. The entire credit for this inhabiting temperature goes to the greenhouse gases.

Owing to the presence of these greenhouse gases, the earth is warm enough. Simply because the greenhouse gases are able to entrap the solar radiation and bounce it back to the earth’s surface, is the reason the earth hasn’t frozen yet. Additionally, the greenhouse gases also ensure that we are not fried by the sun’s heat by absorbing some percentage of the radiation.

Therefore,  on the one hand, the benefits of greenhouse gases turn to their ability to prevent the heat from escaping the earth’s surface and help human life have a warm enough climate. On the other hand, their ability to bounce off a fair share of the radiation, helps human life avoid an unpleasantly hot and unbearable atmosphere. Additionally, they have been of vital importance in maintaining our planet’s water level. In the absence of greenhouse gases, the polar caps would rapidly melt, raising water levels beyond alarming marks. 

Protection from Danger

Imagine a sieve that you use at home to filter milk and dispose of the impurities. Well, greenhouse gases play the exact same role in protecting earthlings from dangerous solar radiation. They block those parts of the solar radiation which are harmful to our existence and bounce them back into the atmosphere.

The greatest example is that of UV or UltraViolet radiation. Ozone, which is one of the main greenhouse gases, acts as a shield against the UV rays entering the earth. In the absence of the ozone layer, there will be no resistance to the UV rays and they would reach us directly. They carry the immense potential to harm the earth’s surface and its inhabitants. 

Benefits of Greenhouse Gases for Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis, the process by which plants create their own food and in turn initiate the food chain for existence depends upon 3 important elements. These include  CO₂, water, and sunlight.  CO₂  which is an important greenhouse gas is vital here. In the absence of this gas, plants will be unable to produce food. While this may not be a direct benefit of the greenhouse effect, it is an indirect impact.

Since the greenhouse effect is nothing but a process involving greenhouse gases, their contribution in any form deserves recognition. Additionally, as the greenhouse effect contributes to increasing  CO₂ levels, under controlled settings, it can lead to greater food production.

Plants in regions with a greater concentration of carbon dioxide grow bigger and make greater food contributions. In fact, doubling the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels can result in a 32% increase in agricultural yields. 

Greenhouse Effect Disadvantages

It is true that the greenhouse effect is a boon to maintaining the earth’s habitable temperature and has multiple other benefits. However, it comes with a few disadvantages as well-

Global Warming

While the greenhouse effect maintains the temperature, its increase directly translates to rising temperatures. As the volume of greenhouse gases is increasing with more burning of fossil fuels, etc, it is contributing to an increase in the planet’s average temperature and climate.

In fact, the past few years have seen much warmer summers in comparison to the decadal average trend. As the gases increase, their ability and power to trap the heat and radiate it back to the earth also increases. This invariably increases the earth’s temperature. 

Increasing Water Levels

Next in line comes the increase in water levels above the safe marks. The logic is quite simple. As the average temperature of the earth is steadily increasing, the polar ice caps are rapidly undergoing a meltdown. This is resulting in a massive rise in water levels, well beyond the safe levels. This rapid increase in ocean water levels can invariably lead to flooding of low-lying areas and demand evacuation.

The increase in water levels will accentuate displacement and cost human lives along with the destruction of flora and fauna. Additionally, the existence of the polar caps of penguins and polar bears is under deep threat,

Destruction of Marine Life

It is a well-known fact that oceans absorb  CO₂ and maintain alkalinity. However, the rate at which carbon dioxide is increasing is bad for marine life. As more and more carbon dioxide gets absorbed by the oceans, their alkalinity levels will touch dangerous marks. This is increasingly posing a serious threat to marine life that stands at danger of extinction if the rise in alkalinity continues.

Why is the Greenhouse Effect a Concern for Students

The pros and cons of the greenhouse effect are one of the most popular topics given to students for assignments and essay writing. Most students wonder about the reason behind the same. Academic institutions have two reasons for encouraging students to work on this topic. Firstly, being topical in nature, it is important for students to be aware of what is happening at the environmental level.

They need to be aware of how the greenhouse effect works and its impact. The logic is simple, to be updated to date about the current happenings. Secondly, assignments on the advantages and disadvantages of the greenhouse effect can sensitize students about the need of the hour and help them realize how small steps they take can go a long way to preventing the increase in the greenhouse effect.

If you have recently been given an assignment on the advantages and disadvantages of the greenhouse effect and wish to find homework answers quickly, consider getting help from experts at TutorBin. The panel of global subject matter experts can help you submit well-written and informative assignments and essays on the pros and cons of the greenhouse effect and other science topics too.