Greenhouse Effect & Greenhouse Gases

What happens when we have too much of them?
What can we do about it?

The Greenhouse Effect is a natural phenomenon that keeps Earth in a temperature range that allows life to flourish. Without it, the average surface temperature would be -18°C, a temperature so low that the Earth would be frozen and could not sustain life.

When large amounts of heat-trapping gases are released to the atmosphere due to human activities, global warming could take place. These heat-trapping gases are known as the Greenhouse Gases.

The principal Greenhouse Gases that enter the atmosphere because of human activities are:

• Carbon dioxide (CO2)
• Methane (CH4)
• Nitrous oxide (N2O)
• Chlorofluorocarbons

How Malaysia can be affected by global warming?

• Gradual Increase in temperature - heat wave, haze
• Extreme weather conditions – floods, storms, extreme rainfall & typhoon
• Shift in climatic patterns - drought, widespread flooding & forest fire
• Rise in sea level – high tide

What can we do about it?

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
2. Use Less Heat and Air Conditioning
3. Change a Light Bulb - compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs
4. Drive Less and Drive Smart
5. Buy Energy-Efficient Products
6. Use Less Hot Water
7. Make sure things are really turned off
8. Check your tyres
9. Give your car a break
10. Tune your ride
11. Eat less meat
12. Buy locally grown foods