How can greenhouse gases be good and bad?

Question

Josephine Allen · Accepted Answer

We need them to prevent heat from escaping into space but too much of them will retain too much heat, causing global warming.

Although your question is phrased differently, it basically asks the same question as one of my earlier answers, to which I have included a link. What is the relationship between greenhouse gases and their effects?

Emilia Alcaraz · Answer

They are necessary to keep an even temperature on the Earth, but if there is too much the temperature will increase.

The balance between Earth's radiation and solar radiation, which we refer to as the solar budget, requires greenhouse gases. If the energy entering the Earth system is greater than the energy leaving it, the Earth will either cool or heat depending on how much energy enters and how much energy exits the system. Without greenhouse gases, the process would be as follows: the sun's shortwave radiation, or heat, heats the Earth, and the Earth radiates longwave radiation, or heat, into space. Because the Earth is already quite warm (300 K compared to the background heat of space, which is around 3 K), it will radiate more heat than it receives, and as a result, the system would cool if it weren't for greenhouse gases, which are crucial (good) in this context. As I've already mentioned in multiple responses, greenhouse gases are transparent to shortwave radiation and opaque to longwave radiation. They let sunlight through while preventing the release of heat, so increasing the amount of greenhouse gases will increase the amount of heat that is retained, which will raise the system's temperature overall. A sharp rise in the Earth system's temperature will alter its climate and habitats, forcing species to adapt or go extinct (bad). Evolution cannot keep up with the rapid changes in climate brought about by human-caused greenhouse gas emissions; after all, it is a bit late for a Dutchman to develop gills, as Amsterdam has already been submerged.

Peyton Budinger · Answer

undefined Greenhouse gases can be both good and bad. They are beneficial because they trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, keeping the planet warm enough to support life. However, an excess of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, can lead to global warming and climate change, causing adverse effects such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems and agriculture.

Isaac Ayoub · Answer

undefined Greenhouse gases can have both positive and negative effects, depending on the context and concentration levels. On one hand, greenhouse gases play a crucial role in maintaining Earth's temperature within a range that is conducive to life. They trap heat in the atmosphere, creating a natural greenhouse effect that keeps the planet warm enough to support life as we know it. Without greenhouse gases, Earth would be much colder, making it inhospitable for many forms of life.

However, excessive accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere can lead to global warming and climate change. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have significantly increased the concentration of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. This enhanced greenhouse effect results in rising global temperatures, melting polar ice caps, more frequent and severe weather events, disruption of ecosystems, and threats to human health and livelihoods.

Therefore, while greenhouse gases are essential for maintaining Earth's habitable climate, their overabundance due to human activities poses significant risks to the environment and human well-being. Balancing the benefits and drawbacks of greenhouse gases requires efforts to mitigate emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, promote sustainable practices, and adapt to the changing climate to minimize negative impacts and preserve a stable and healthy planet for future generations.