Question

5 (a) Discuss harmful effects of the greenhouse effect.

Answer 1

Part 1: Greenhouse effect:

• The greenhouse effect occurs when solar energy is absorbed by greenhouse gases and not reflected back into space.
• The gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and methane are called greenhouse gases.
• This keeps the earth's surface warm.

Part 2: Harmful effects of greenhouse effect:

• A significant amount of carbon dioxide in the polluted air increases the greenhouse effect, which has caused the Earth's average temperature to rise by 2°C.
• As a result of this, global warming occurs, causing ice on the polar caps to melt, rising seawater levels by a few meters.
• This can result in coastal areas and islands being submerged, inflicting major damage.