Impacts of Carbon Emissions
One of the most worrying effects of human activities is the carbon emissions into the atmosphere, with the consequent increase in the greenhouse effect. The solar radiation that reaches the Earth is mostly absorbed by its surface, heating it. This heated surface radiates heat into the atmosphere, which retains part of this heat, with the rest being lost to space. Without an atmosphere, this heat would be completely lost, and the planet would be very cold, with an average temperature of -18°C. Such low temperatures are not suitable for life as we know it.
Gases present in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane and water vapor, help to retain part of the heat emitted by the Earth's surface, preventing it from being lost to space. This natural process keeps the atmosphere warm, making the planet's surface a suitable place for life, with an average temperature of 15°C. This phenomenon is known as the greenhouse effect... Did you know?