Global Temperature Nearing Dangerous Levels, Says Study

Greenhouse gas emissions are dangerously rising at an alarming level. The abnormally fast growth rate could push the Earth beyond the safe limit in terms of average global temperature. The report is based on the study conducted by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Rising temperatures have profound effects on economic growth, agriculture, water and energy supply, and public health.

According to the IEA, carbon emissions increased by 1.4 per cent. This means an additional 31.6 gigatons of carbon dioxide were released into the air. The IEA is a research group organised by industrialised nations to monitor climate change.

Greenhouse gases are composed of ozone, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane and water vapour. These gases in the atmosphere in affect the Earth's temperature. Greenhouse gases absorb and give off within the range of thermal infrared.

Sustainability

Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere work to make life on Earth sustainable. The presence of gases keeps the temperatures normal for life to prosper. The gases surrounding the Earth also absorb the rays from the sun which cools and warms the surface of the planet. The greenhouse gases work to provide insulation. The gases work together to keep the radiation from the sun's rays from reaching the surface. For example, carbon dioxide can absorb and emit heat from the sun effectively. Without greenhouse gases as insulators, the radiation from the sun will remain unfiltered.

Absorption Levels

The sun emits radiation all the time and reaches the surface of the Earth in varying degrees. Greenhouse gases act as protective layers to effectively regulate radiation and temperature. This balance must be maintained for the environment to be sustainable. When the balance is lost, the temperature on the surface of the Earth will rise. This will affect all forms of life.

Role in Global Warming

As the population of the planet continues to increase every year, the greenhouse effect is also being strengthened. The levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are also increasing due to human activity. Carbon dioxide levels have risen because of the burning of fossil fuel in industries and deforestation in tropical areas.

The study only shows how governments have put climate change in the backburner in terms of policy-making. In Australia, PM Julia Gillard wrote a joint statement with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the fight against climate change.