Backgrounder: Greenhouse effect and greenhouse gases

BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The retention of solar radiation by the Earth's atmosphere is commonly referred to as the "greenhouse effect."

Through some gases in the atmosphere, solar energy in the form of short wave radiation can reach the Earth's surface, while these gases absorb the energy in the form of long wave radiation emitted by the surface. This process elevates the temperature of the surface and lower atmosphere.

As the function of the effect is similar to greenhouses that are used to grow crops, it is called "greenhouse effect," and these gases are called "greenhouse gases."

Besides carbon dioxide, greenhouse gases produced by human activities also include methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride.

Among these gases, carbon dioxide has the greatest effect on climate change. Carbon dioxide can last at least 50 years and up to 200 years once it is released into the atmosphere.

In the absence of the greenhouse effect, the average temperature of the Earth's surface could be as low as minus 18 degrees Celsius, instead of the current 15 degrees Celsius.

However, if the greenhouse effect increases, the global temperature will continue to rise.

Since the Industrial Revolution, greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide emitted by Western countries have been increasing. Hence, the greenhouse effect has been intensified and brought about a series of severe problems including global warming, which has attracted worldwide attention.

We can help mitigate the greenhouse effect by saving on electricity and driving less. Besides, we can plant forests, use fewer disposable chopsticks and less paper.