We hear about it many times throughout the day, but do we really know what it is?
To begin, it’s necessary to differentiate it from global warming, as global warming leads to climate change. The current activities and lifestyle contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, resulting in a rise in the planet’s temperature. The outcome is variations in the climate that would not naturally occur, causing changes in conditions that were previously absent.
The greenhouse effect is a natural process essential for life on Earth. The atmosphere retains some of the heat emitted by the Sun, and without the greenhouse effect, the Earth’s temperature would be an average of 18ºC below zero, making living conditions more challenging. Greenhouse gases prevent heat from bouncing off the ground and escaping back into space. These gases also harm the ozone layer, which protects us from the Sun’s powerful radiation. The current issue is that the increased emission of greenhouse gases is causing the Earth to reach higher temperatures, resulting in excessive warmth. This is the cause of global warming.
The consequence of air pollution is a reduction in the quality of the air we breathe, making the air in cities and urban areas increasingly harmful to health. Air pollution reduces life expectancy, with estimates suggesting over eight months in the European Union. Additionally, some gaseous pollutants have carcinogenic effects, posing a threat to human health.
Various elements contribute to this effect, including industrial sectors, vehicle fuels, or household heating, all of which harm the lungs during the breathing process.
