Greenhouse effect is very important for us to live in or earth. There are two greenhouse effects. One is the natural and the other one is the man-made. Earth’s surface is warmed by the infrared radiation from the sun. The natural greenhouse effect keeps the Earth’s climate warm and habitable. It is a very necessary effect; otherwise the earth’s temperature will be much lower.

Global warming, i.e. the increase of temperature in earth’s atmosphere is from the man-made greenhouse effect. This is due to the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

The dominant greenhouse gases include:

• Water vapour (about 80 to 90%)
• Carbon dioxide
• Ozone

• Methane
• Nitrous oxide
• Chlorofluorocarbons are the other important greenhouse gases.

Carbon dioxide is the worst greenhouse gas. More than 7.5 million tons of carbon dioxide reach atmosphere from the automobile exhausts, industries, rain forest and other forest burnings and all fossil fuels burnings. It should be reduced drastically by all the nations of the world.

Is it so dramatic increase of 3 to 4 degrees C? Yes, it is very dangerous. In 2050 it is expected an increase of 3 to 4 degrees average in the temperature of earth’s surface. The ice in poles is also no more secure. Many low lying places in the world will be under water. This is also applicable to Maldives.

We all can contribute to reduce carbon dioxide. For example, do not drive your car unnecessarily. Do not eat too much beef. Uncontrolled burning of old tyres and other wastes are crimes against humanity.