GLOBAL WARMING AND CARBON CREDITS -AN INTRODUCTION (Part 1)

Before starting any discussion, we should be clear as to the reasons for undertaking this discourse and as also the reasons for which you may be reading it. It could be any of the following

1. It is in the newspapers every day, hence a matter of general interest
2. On a philosophical level,
a. We homosapiens (human beings) as a species came into existence as a result of climate change,
b. And, probably, we will become extinct due to climate change. As per current estimates the Pralay forecasted in our Sashtras is in the foreseeable future.
3. And for businesses,
a. how does it impact,
b. And, the opportunities available

And I will attempt to cover this introductory piece in about 3 introductory essays, and this being the first of the three.

Have we ever wondered at the temperatures that are prevailing at the nearest celestial body to our planet earth? That was a question that came to my mind, when I started learning about this subject.

I have learnt that the maximum day time temperature on the Moon’s surface is 123oC, while the average day time temperature is 107oC. On the other hand, the minimum night time temperature is -233 oC, and the average night time temperature is -153 oC. http://www.solarviews.com/eng/moon.htm

On a celestial scale, we are adjacent, hence should be experiencing similar temperatures under similar circumstances. What is the essential difference that makes the temperatures on the earth’s surface habitable? It is the atmosphere.

The entire story on Global Warming is related to the changes in the atmosphere and its impact on our lives. Hence it is essential to understand first of all, the role the atmosphere plays in making the temperatures comfortable for humans to survive as also the essential support system remain.

The following diagram illustrates the issues addressed by the Montreal Protocol (Ozone Layer Depletion) and the Kyoto Protocol (Increase in Green House Gas levels in the atmosphere due to manmade activities)

Earth receives 342 Watts per sq meter of energy at the top of the atmosphere, after accounting for the reflection of the very short waves by the ozone layer.

Ozone at the top of the atmosphere is good for mankind since it absorbs the very short waves coming from the sun, as they are harmful. You may visit NASA and UNEP websites for more information on this.

About 31% of the energy received from the Sun is reflected back to the outer space, while 69% is reflected back to the earth and is retained in the atmosphere. This is roughly 235 Watts per sq meter. This energy helps earth retain the heat and maintain warmth and lets live comfortably.

This reflection of energy is due to the presence of Green House Gases (GHG) in the atmosphere leading to the green house effect. Hence if the GHG levels increase more heat is going to be retained in the atmosphere thereby disturbing the energy balance that the earth has had with outer space. This retention of energy leads to increase of temperatures.

TO BE CONTINUED...
Should you have any questions on any of the issues discussed, please feel free to contact me at kanwals@vsnl.com