Carbon dioxide is the main pollutant responsible for global warming.
Carbon dioxide acts like a covering and traps the incoming solar radiation from the Earth. Thus, it absorbs the heat energy that should have been emitted into space. It is responsible for 80% of global warming.
The pollutants responsible for trapping the heat include methane, nitrous oxide, water vapour, and carbon dioxide. They are known as greenhouse gases.
A part of the emitted heat energy is sent back to earth, which results in increased heating of the earth.
Carbon dioxide, being an abundant greenhouse gas, is released into the atmosphere by industrial and human activities. Coal, natural gas, oil, solid waste, and trees, are all major contributors to the greenhouse effect.
Earth Summit
- The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, was a global forum to discuss the impact of social and economic activities on the environment.
- With the participation of 179 countries, the summit created a blueprint for major environmental and developmental issues of the world. It also put forward the concept of sustainable development as an attainable goal for the world.
Further Reading:
Find more related IAS Questions in the linked article.
Related Links:
Comments