How Does Carbon Dioxide Cause Global Warming?

The most significant property of Carbon Dioxide, from a human point of view, is its ability to trap heat in the atmosphere that would otherwise be lost to space.

Why does this happen?

Heat energy is energy with a longer wavelength than visible light. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) absorbs this type of energy whereas the other major atmospheric gases Nitrogen (N2) and Oxygen (O2) do not do this.

When a molecule of Carbon dioxide is exposed to long wavelength energy which we commonly call heat, it absorbs this energy and its speed increases. This added speed is an above-normal energy state, meaning it is hotter than it would normally be. Eventually this molecule will lose, or radiate this heat again and return to its normal state.

That energy is released in the same form, as heat. Also, it is given off equally in all directions. The important point here is that a fair portion of that released heat is emitted back towards the earth.

What is the Problem?

The heat that the CO2 absorbs initially is mostly energy that is being reflected off the surface of the earth back out into space. By absorbing and then radiating the energy, Carbon Dioxide effectively redirects some of that energy that would otherwise be lost back down to the surface. This is effectively a heat blanket, which is why it's referred to as a "greenhouse" effect. Increasing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere therefore increases the surface temperature.

Even a slight rise in surface temperature can have significant effects. A warmer surface temperature means a warmer ocean surface. This leads to more evaporation which not only changes weather patterns but also increases the heating effect since water vapor behaves the same way as Carbon Dioxide.

This significant property of Carbon Dioxide is the main reason it's seen as a negative aspect of energy production and why we need to seek methods of energy production that do not involve releasing more CO2.

Toxic Chemicals in the Environment

In the last century humans have introduced hundreds of chemical substances into the environment. Wastes from industrial and agricultural process have entered our systems threw the food we consume and the conveniences we enjoy. Not all chemicals produced are bad but for some the long-term environmental impact far out ways the benefit humans have derived from them. Industrial and motor vehicle emissions cause acid rain which poisons fish and other aquatic organisms and affects the ability of soil to produce plants.

CFC's cause depletion of ozone which exposes humans and other life to the harmful effect of uv rays. Mass extinction of life caused by the introduction of these harmful chemicals will affect every ecosystem in the world. The result could be our own demise in the end. At the minimum we could lose plants that could have beneficial health properties that have yet to be discovered. wouldn't it be a tragedy to learn the cure for cancer only to discover the source of the cure was destroyed by pollution a few years earlier?

Chemicals like Dioxins are a class of super toxic chemical formed as a by product of the manufacture, molding, and burning of organic chemicals and plastics that contain chlorine. They are the most toxic man made chemicals known. These super toxins cause health effects in doses as small as a few parts per trillion. Dioxins became known during the Vietnam war when Soldiers were exposed to the chemical defoliant Agent Orange.

Dioxins enter the body threw the food chain and accumulate in body fat. They then interfere with genetics and cause a range of problems from immune disorders to cancer.

So what can you do?

1. Make your own cleaning products there are several reference sources on the web. 

2. avoid using any chemicals with the prefix chloro- in it. 

3. To avoid dioxins from entering your body, wash all vegetables prior to eating them. Avoid full fat dairy and meats.

Let's Discuss Some Facts About Acid Rain

According to scientists acid rain refers to acid deposition. It is usually caused by highly acidic pollutants and was first discovered in 1852. It is the most complicated environmental problem which can not be seen. The invisible and destructive gages, that are the cause of this rain, usually come from the automobiles, coal-burning power plants and factories.

Natural Causes: Human activities are considered great contributor to Acid Rain. However, there are some other factors such as, volcanoes, smoke having water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur and nitrogen.

Some Other Contributors:

Pollution is the main cause of acid rain. The pollutants which release into the air cause this environmental issue. These pollutants are: 

• Carbon dioxide: that release by burning coals, natural gases and oil etc. 

• Carbon monoxide: that release by burning woods, oil and gasoline. 

• Hazardous air pollutants: release into the air by the different sources such as chemical plants, dry cleaners and motor vehicles like cars, buses, motor bikes, trucks. 

• Lead: release by car and house paints and other manufacturing like, batteries, water pipes, ceramic wares etc. 

• Ozone: release by industries, motor vehicles, burning coals, fossil fuels, gasoline. 

• Particulate Matter: are the little particles of pollution, that release by motor cars, trucks, buses that are burning diesel fuel, road constructions, steel making, wood stoves etc.

There are many other pollutants and most pollutants are from automobiles. Automobiles generate harmful smoke which is also the main cause of this rain.

Effects:

There are many harmful effects of this rain on the people and the natural world. The effects are on: 

• Sea life: acidic rain is damaging the lives in the water. All of the sea life dies when the water gets too much polluted and acidic. 

• Forests: trees are also damaging by this environmental issue. Acidic rain and fog are caused to damage the forests by spoiling and damaging the surface of the leaves. It also harms the soil. 

• Air and health: acid rain affects the air, lives and health. It causes many health problems. Breathing problems, lungs problem and asthma in children and adults. 

• Non-living Things: acid rain also damages the non living things lie, buildings, building materials, and paints.

According to scientists acid rain is destructive and long lasting problem. The main cause of acid rain is pollution. So, first and foremost need is to stop the pollution and to make some remedies. 

• Try to overcome the causes of pollution 

• Reduce the use of cars and other vehicles 

• Do not use the air conditioners as much 

• Turn off the heat and reduce burning fire as often.