CLIMATE CHANGE CAUSES
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
THE TRAPPING OF THE SUN'S WARMTH IN A PLANET'S LOWER ATMOSPHERE, DUE TO THE GREATER TRANSPARENCY OF THE ATMOSPHERE TO VISIBLE RADIATION FROM THE SUN THAN TO INFRARED RADIATION EMITTED FROM THE PLANET'S SURFACE
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that occurs when an excess amount of greenhouse gases are emitted into the environment and causes the Earth’s surface to warm. When the solar energy enters Earth’s atmosphere, some energy is reflected back and the rest gets absorbed into the Earth. The Earth re-radiates that heat/energy and greenhouse gases, including water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone, trap the heat within Earth’s atmosphere. Carbon dioxide has been the main greenhouse gas contributor to climate change, and it nearly doubled in concentration in Greece’s atmosphere from 1958 to 2017. The greenhouse gas effect is intensified by many different actions including burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and biomass burning. This phenomenon is one cause of global warming.
Climate change is directly influenced by the behavior of each individual citizen within a given region. To undergo daily actions such as food production, lighting and heating, electricity must be produced. This results in the burning of fossil fuels and leads to the intensification of the greenhouse effect.
FOOD WASTE
In Greece, it is estimated that 100 kg of food is wasted per person annually, 30 kg being avoidable. Typically this waste can be categorized as “organic waste,” which, when decomposed, releases carbon dioxide and methane gas into the atmosphere. In Greece, there is an estimate of 5,672.5 Gg of carbon dioxide released annually, which can be reduced with a few lifestyle adjustments.
OVER-CONSUMPTION OF GOODS
Consumerism plays a major role in the worsening of climate change. The amount of water and energy needed to produce products in factories is significantly more than the amount of water and energy needed to shower or run a household. Buying products that never get used is an example of over-consumption because it is a waste of energy and water. Also, goods with complex packaging can affect the environment if not recycled properly. Over-consumption can be reduced if citizens only purchase what they need and refrain from making unnecessary purchases.