Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change

What is greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect is caused by a series of gases that retain part of the heat radiated by the Earth. These gases are the so-called greenhouse gases, composed mainly of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and water vapor, among others.

This is a natural phenomenon, without it the planet could become very cold, making the survival of several species unfeasible. However, with the exacerbated increase, such as those that have been drawing attention, the increase in temperature can cause several irreversible damages.

Normally, part of the solar radiation that reaches our planet is reflected and returns directly to space and another part is absorbed by the oceans and the Earth’s surface.

There is still a part retained by this layer of gases, which causes the so-called greenhouse effect.

What are the main GHGs (Greenhouse Gases)?

The main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N20).

CO2 is the gas that makes the greatest contribution to global warming, as it represents the majority of GHG emissions and its residence time is at least 100 years, resulting in impacts on the climate over centuries.

The amount of methane (CH4) emitted into the atmosphere is smaller, but its warming potential is 28 higher than that of CO2.

The concentration of nitrous oxide (N20) is also small, but its warming potential is 265 times greater than CO2.

Which countries emit the most greenhouse gases?

According to the SEEG (Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Removal Estimates System), an initiative of the Climate Observatory, Brazil ranks fifth among the largest emitters of GHGs, behind only China, USA, Russia and India.

In historical terms, according to a 2021 study by Carbon Brief, a UK website specializing in climate change science and policy, the largest emitter is the US, followed by China, Russia, Brazil and Indonesia.

What is Global Warming?

Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the oceans and the layer of air close to the Earth’s surface, which occurs due to the increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.

What are the main consequences of global warming?

The consequences of global warming are countless and some have already been noticed in different parts of the planet.

Scientists have already observed that the increase in the average temperature of the planet has raised sea levels due to the melting of the polar ice caps, which may cause the disappearance of islands and densely populated coastal cities.

And there is a prediction of a greater frequency of extreme weather events (tropical storms, heat waves, droughts, blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes and tsunamis) with serious consequences for human populations and natural ecosystems, which could lead to the extinction of our rich biodiversity of species of animals and plants.

What is climate change?

Climate change refers to long-term fluctuations in temperature, precipitation, wind and other aspects of climate and weather. The UNFCCC (acronym in English for United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and, in free translation, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) describes it as climate change that is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity, which alters the composition of the global atmosphere, and adds to the natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods.

Solutions and alternatives to combat the greenhouse effect and climate change

There are many ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the effects of global warming.

Some of the possibilities are: zero deforestation, invest in reforestation and conservation of natural areas, encourage the use of non-conventional renewable energies (solar, wind and biomass), prefer to use biofuels (ethanol and biodiesel) over fossil fuels (gasoline and diesel), investing in reducing energy consumption and energy efficiency, reducing, reusing and recycling materials, investing in low carbon technologies and improving public transport with low GHG emissions.

These measures can be established through national and international climate policies.

Ambipar and collaboration with sustainable development

We know that this problem is the result of a complex system, such as the burning of fossil fuels for energy production, industrial activities, transport, deforestation and agriculture.

In addition to the solutions mentioned in the previous topic, the collective conscience, on the part of NGOs, companies and the population, plays a fundamental role for good economic, social and environmental development.

With Ambipar, you and your company collaborate with environmental preservation.

Industry and companies must adhere to programs that encourage the correct disposal of waste, implement the purchase of recyclable materials, understand more why this action is beneficial: Why buy recyclable materials

In addition to manufacturing control, biodegradable alternatives and when the material is discarded, it has a correct destination and can be recycled, becoming a new product.

By adhering to this commitment, through our services. Your company presents itself to the market and the future as a business that supports and encourages sustainable development.