Global warming

Like us on fb.com/learnmpc to reach us..

• When the greenhouse gases exceed their permissible level. Hence, the temperature of
the atmosphere increases. This is called “Global Warming”.

• CO2(g) plays the key role in this global warming. Gases such as NOx and CFCs are
the other examples. Though the CFC levels are low they have a longer residence time
and they have a high efficiency of absorbing IR radiations. Therefore, their contribution
is high.

• The results of global warming include melting of polar ice caps, sinking of low lying
countries due to the thermal expansion of sea water, desertification due to loss of soil
moisture, drying of fresh water reserviors, changes in biodiversity and weather patterns.

• A significant amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide dissolves in water. Thus, it reduces
the contribution of CO2 to global warming. However, with the increase of temperature
dissolution of carbon dioxide is reduced and dissolved carbon dioxide returns to the
atmosphere.

• Increasing CO2 level in the atmosphere increases the photosynthesis. This is a positive
effect of global warming.

• As far as Sri Lanka is concerned global warming can have a higher effect because we
are an island situated closer to the equator.