ACCRA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (AIT)-OPEN UNIVERSITY

MASTERS IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION FACILITATOR: GEORGE NSIAH SARPONG INDEX NO.: MTSMPMJ110007Y ASARE SEPTEMBER 2011 TRIMESTER MCA1-2 OF 4 COURSE CODE: EMSC 5103 STUDENT: STEPHEN KOFI

QUESTION What is meant by greenhouse effect? "If climate change is the consequences of global warming." Discuss this in the light of energy generation through fossil fuel. ANSWER The greenhouse effect is the atmospheres ability to trap heat from the sun, which causes the earths climate to be warmer and more stable than it otherwise would be. It results from the fact that certain atmospheric gases, such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and methane, are able to change the energy balance of the planet by absorbing longwave radiation emitted from the earth's surface. With too many greenhouse gasses in the air, the earths atmosphere will trap too much heat and the earth will get too hot. As a result people, animals, and plants would die because the heat would be too strong. Global warming also causes a lot of harm to the environment such as; -Sea rise to cover low land and island. -depletion of ozone layer -Destruction of oxygen content in the atmosphere -adverse climatic change Fossil fuel energy is apparently pervasive in our daily activities both homes and industries. Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas alter the earth's climate. The generation of energy through burning of fossil fuel releases large quantity of carbon. The carbon in these fossil fuels is transformed into carbon dioxide (CO2), the predominant gas contributing to the "greenhouse effect," during the combustion process. Increases in emissions of CO2 and other gases, such as methane, traced to fossil fuel burning boost heat trapping processes in the atmosphere, gradually raising average world-wide temperatures and consequently leading to global warming. The generation of electricity through burning of fossil fuel to turn or propel the turbines for conversion and distribution of electric power to our comfort homes and industries also contributes to the increase in green house gases in the atmosphere. It is therefore clear that, any activity that involves combustion of fossil fuel for energy generation either directly or indirectly contributes to global warming. Take a few minutes and analyze the effects of the following activities on global warming; -Driving a fuel powered car or motor bike. - using concrete mixer in your construction site -Heating meal in a microwave - using computer in your comfort home. -Using air conditioner -mining activities -washing and drying of cloth with washing machine. Using a refrigerator -electric heater and cookers All the above stated activities contribute in one way or the other to the increase in green house gases in the atmosphere which alters climate condition to causes global warming creating discomfort to human living and other living things. Global climate will continue to change if the world continue to use fossil fuel as the primary source of energy generation. Probably, there is the need to find other alternative to energy generation by resorting to solar energy, biogas energy generation etc or reduce the effect of fossil fuel power generation on the atmosphere if global warming could be controlled.

ACCRA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (AIT)-OPEN UNIVERSITY

MASTERS IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION FACILITATOR: GEORGE NSIAH SARPONG INDEX NO.: MTSMPMJ110007Y ASARE SEPTEMBER 2011 TRIMESTER MCA1-2 OF 4 COURSE CODE: EMSC 5103 STUDENT: STEPHEN KOFI

In conclusion, the combustion of fossil fuel for energy generation releases too much carbon dioxide and others green house gases in the atmosphere which affects global climatic condition and consequently increases worlds temperature.

REFERENCE 1. www.acoolerclimate.com/what-is-the-greenhouse-effect/- green house effect definition.