The Enhanced Greenhouse Effect (Leaving Cert Chemistry): Flashcards

Intensification of natural greenhouse effect by human activity

Burning fossil fuels and deforestation

315 ppm in 1960 to over 400 ppm by 2020

Over $1.1°\text{C}$ increase

Since 1970, rate doubled vs. previous century

About 20 cm

Warmer water expands and takes up more space

$\text{CO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3$

Car engines, power stations, nitrogen fertilisers

$2\text{NO} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{NO}_2$

Cooling effect - reflect sunlight back to space

About 100 years

Models match data only when human emissions included

Warmer ocean temperatures

Renewable energy, protect forests, reduce emissions