To understand the impact of climate change on our planet, it is essential to analyze the functioning of the Earth's atmosphere. The atmosphere acts as a protective shield, filtering solar rays to enable life on Earth. The greenhouse effect, a natural phenomenon, occurs when the gases present in the atmosphere retain the energy emitted by the Earth as it warms up with solar radiation. The most relevant gases in this phenomenon are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen oxide.
The uncontrolled increase of these gases causes an atmospheric imbalance, resulting in an increase in the greenhouse effect and, therefore, global warming. This translates into drastic changes in climate patterns, with serious consequences such as the melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and alterations in ocean currents, affecting life on the planet.
Every January 28, the Day of Action Against Global Warming is commemorated globally, also celebrated as World Day for the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions. This date, established by the United Nations (UN), aims to raise awareness about climate change and its environmental impact, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue that affects humanity as a whole.
