The Greenhouse EffectLesson 1A balance exists between the energy going into the atmosphere and the energy leaving the atmosphere. It keeps the temperature on earth 15 degrees Celsius. This keeps the earth from becoming a frozen wasteland. How much is that in Fahrenheit? 59 Lesson 2Nitrogen makes up 78% of our atmosphere.Oxygen makes up 21% of our atmosphere.1% of our atmosphere is made up of greenhouse gases The 3 most common greenhouse gases are: Water – H20Carbon dioxide – CO2Methane – CH4 As sun rays come to earth, they pass through all of the molecules. The earth begins to warm up. The earth begins to radiate heat (in the form of infrared radiation). Some of the radiation passes through the oxygen and nitrogen molecules, but when it comes in contact with a greenhouse gas, it is absorbed.When the greenhouse gas absorbs enough, it begins to emit infrared . If you increase the number of greenhouse gas molecules, the temperature rises. Lesson 3 A long time ago, plant photosynthesis and microscopic sea creatures removed carbon dioxide from the air. Those tiny sea creatures, over a long period of time, were transformed into coal, oil and natural gas (these are called fossil fuels). When the industrial revolution began, people built factories and used fossil fuels to power these factories, as well as trains and automobiles. Today, 90% of the energy used to power things comes from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are the altered remains of plant and animals that took carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. So when they are burned, the carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere. How does cutting down trees contribute to more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?Trees turn carbon dioxide into oxygen so with less trees they can't make as much oxygen. Some scientists think by middle of 21st century expected to increase by 3.5 degrees Celsius (normally it would only increase 1.5 degree Celsius). Things that can happen due to climate change:Things that can happenPeople in northern areas, warmer weatherPeople in the south, very hot summersParts of Africa and the Middle East could become wetter and more hospitable Places where a lot of crops are grown may become too dryThe oceans will expand Storms more severeSea level could go up half a footEnormous property damage in coastal areasExtinctions of some animals