Horizon Power :: Greenhouse Effect Overview

What is the Greenhouse Effect?

Greenhouse gases such as water vapour (H2O), tropospheric ozone (O3), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) occur naturally in the atmosphere and trap heat from the sun. The Greenhouse Effect is essential for maintaining the earth's surface at a temperature suitable to support life.

Human activities such as the burning of oil, coal and natural gas, land clearing, the burning of vegetation and farming have released enormous quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, particularly over the last 200 years. The extra greenhouse gases trap extra heat, leading to the enhanced greenhouse effect and possible changes to the global climate (or global warming). Climate scientists now agree that this possibility is real enough to require a response.

In 1995 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change determined that "the balance of evidence suggests a discernible human influence on global climate".

Australia's major scientific body CSIRO recently wrote that Australia is likely to be between 0.3 and 1.4 degrees warmer by 2030 (Division of Atmospheric Research, April 1997). It estimates that much of Australia can expect a decrease in winter rainfall. In summer the situation is less clear.

Other effects could include an increase in severe thunderstorm and cyclone activity, more floods and droughts, coastal erosion due to storm activity and rising sea levels, an increase in tropical diseases, pests and weeds, and changes in biodiversity (some plants and animals may not survive, and others may thrive). The effects may not just be limited to landmasses and land populations. A rise in sea temperatures may upset the delicate balance of marine life, and put pressure on fisheries.

Further information on the Greenhouse Effect and its implications can be found on the Australian Greenhouse Office website.