Question

 

Many people use the terms greenhouse effect and ozone layer interchangeably as though they address the same issue.
Explain the differences. Why are greenhouse effect and ozone layer "controversial" in public debate?
Describe the current day concerns for each, and what action is appropriate.

Answer 1

Difference between the greenhouse effect and ozone layer.

1. The ozone gas in the atmosphere which protects mankind from harmful radiation and its depletion is undesirable, while the greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide which trap heat in the atmosphere thereby raising temperatures worldwide with harmful repercussions for the rest of world.

2. Ozone is present in the earth’s stratosphere. Greenhouse effect pertains to the warming of planet because of the solar heat that gets trapped by our atmosphere, because of the presence of greenhouse effect which causing substances like gas, dust and clouds.

3. Ozone is a pale blue gas, soluble in water (H₂O) which extremely soluble in solvents that are non-polar like fluorocarbons or carbon tetrachloride, while Greenhouse gases are composed of water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and Ozone.

Why are greenhouse effect and ozone layer "controversial" in public debate?

The global warming controversy which concerns the public debate over whether global warming is occurring, how much has occurred in modern times, what has caused it, what its effects will be, whether any action should be taken to curb it and if so what that action should be.

Now, the controversy is political rather than scientific. There is a scientific consensus that climate change is happening and is caused by human activity. An example of the poor understanding is public confusion between global warming and ozone depletion or other environmental problems. There are many differences between the opinion of scientists and that of the general public.

The greenhouse effect, despite all the controversy that surrounds the term which is actually one of the most well established theories in atmospheric science. The public and governmental officials need to know which uncertainties are reducible, which may not be reducible and how long it might take to narrow the reducible uncertainties.

Describe the current day concerns for each, and what action is appropriate.

The "greenhouse effect" is a natural process. Sunlight passes through the atmosphere, warming the Earth’s surface. In turn, the land and oceans release heat or infrared radiation into the atmosphere which balancing the incoming energy. Water vapour, carbon dioxide & some other naturally occurring gases can absorb part of this radiation which allowing it to warm the lower atmosphere.

This absorption of heat which keeps the surface of our planet warm enough to sustain us, it is called as the greenhouse effect.

The "ozone layer" is a high level layer of gas in the stratosphere. It helps to keep out harmful ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn to human skin and damage to plants.