Module 8: Global Climate and Greenhouse Gases

Image: Paul Becker via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY

In this section, we will discuss how the natural greenhouse effect on Earth helps to keep the planet's surface warm and the role played by greenhouse gases (GHGs) in this process. GHGs work by reducing the rate at which Earth can release the absorbed solar radiation, thereby maintaining the temperature of the planet. However, the concentration of GHGs, especially carbon dioxide, has been increasing due to human activities, which can potentially intensify the greenhouse effect and cause global warming. This change could have severe consequences for the environment as well as the human economy and natural ecosystems.  

Module Goals and Objectives

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Outline the physical basis of Earth’s greenhouse effect and describe how human influences may be causing it to intensify.
2. Explain the term greenhouse gas (GHG).
3. Describe how the various GHGs vary in their effectiveness and influence on the greenhouse effect.
4. Identify which GHGs have been increasing in concentration in the atmosphere and give the reasons for those changes.
5. Explain the probable climatic consequences of an intensification of the greenhouse effect and describe possible economic and ecological effects.

6. Discuss strategies for reducing the intensity of the human influence on the greenhouse effect.

These outcomes address course learning objectives #1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 11.

1. Read the Module 8 Introduction.
   
2. Review the Slide Presentation for this module.
3. Read Chapter 8 in Pressbooks and complete any included activities.
   
4. Complete any assignments, discussions, or assessments listed below.