Molecules with Properties Similar to Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide (CO2) has the capacity to absorb and retain heat radiation within the atmosphere, thus conferring upon it the status of a greenhouse gas. CO2 is the chief causal factor behind global warming and other associated climate change impacts. Other greenhouse gases, such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), have comparable characteristics to carbon dioxide in terms of their ability to absorb and hold heat; however, the level of absorption and trapping of heat is different. Research has shown that methane is a much more effective absorber of heat than CO2, with 84 times more heat trapped over 20 years (Lamb et al., 2021). Likewise, nitrous oxide is an indispensable greenhouse gas, trapping 298 times more heat than carbon dioxide over 100 years.
Mechanisms of Heat Trapping in the Atmosphere
Due to their composition, greenhouse gases can absorb and retain heat in the atmosphere. Composed of multiple atoms, these substances are capable of absorbing infrared radiation, a kind of light energy emitted from the Earth’s surface (Lamb et al., 2021). Consequently, this energy is retained within the atmosphere, resulting in the Earth’s temperature rise.
Local Effects of Climate Change
In recent years, there has been an uptick in extreme weather events in the New York City area, such as heat waves and heavy rainstorms, which are likely attributable to the effects of climate change. In particular, there has been an increase in days with temperatures over 90°F, elevating the potential for danger and discomfort among New Yorkers. Additionally, there has been a rise in the number of days with copious precipitation, leading to flooding and other water-related issues. The growing presence of climate change in the New York City area is increasingly evident. The accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is leading to an increase in erratic weather patterns and temperatures, necessitating urgent action to decrease emissions and mitigate the consequences of climate change.
Reference
Lamb, W. F., Wiedmann, T., Pongratz, J., Andrew, R., Crippa, M., Olivier, J. G.,… & Minx, J. (2021). A review of trends and drivers of greenhouse gas emissions by sector from 1990 to 2018. Environmental research letters, 16(7), 073005.