Greenhouse Effect Essay, Research Paper

Greenhouse Effect

This effect is the result of certain atmospheric gases letting sunlight through to the earth’s surface, while not letting energy radiated outward from the earth’s surface. This results in a net buildup of solar energy in the Earth’s atmosphere, because the flow in is greater than the flow outwards.

The chemicals that are most significantly involved in this effect are chloroflurocarbons (CFCs), hydrogenated chloroflurocarbons (HCFCs), nitrous oxide (N2O), and tropospheric ozone (O3). Because the concentrations of CFCs and other gases are increasing, there is a possibility that this effect will be magnified, and the temperature of the earth will subsequently rise. This may cause ecological damage, and could possibly harm human health and the environment.(Eblen and Eblen, 1994, p. 306)

Analysis and Projections

Projections are a key information input to Australia’s greenhouse policy agenda. Projections methodology underpins assessment of the effectiveness of existing measures, and the development of least cost options for further abatement.

The Analysis and Projections Team, which is part of the Greenhouse Policy Group of the Australian Greenhouse Office, integrates economic projections and other technical analyses to provide strategic assessment of policy approaches. The Team s major responsibilities are to develop projections of Australia s future greenhouse gas emissions and to evaluate Australia’s progress towards greenhouse targets.

The key actions of the Analysis and Projections Team are to:

+ Provide robust projections of future levels of greenhouse gas emissions to support sound decisions on greenhouse mitigation actions

+ Provide economic analysis and advice to support policy formulation, program development and other AGO outputs

+ Assess sensitivities and uncertainties systematically

+ Develop scenarios to assess Australia s greenhouse gas abatement performance under different policy options and economic conditions

+ Engage with stakeholders to improve projections.

www.greenhouse.gov.au