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Climate ABC: Atmosphere

06. October 2022

Our atmosphere: a protective shield for life on Earth

The atmosphere is the invisible but vital "protective shield" that surrounds our planet. It consists of a mixture of gases, primarily nitrogen and oxygen, but also other components such as argon and various trace gases. This layer is the reason why we can live on Earth at all. It not only protects us from harmful solar radiation, but also ensures that temperatures on Earth remain within a range that is comfortable for life.

Without the atmosphere, the earth would be a cold, inhospitable place. During the day, the sun would make the surface blazing hot, and at night it would be freezing cold. But the atmosphere traps the heat that the earth receives from the sun and thus ensures a stable, life-friendly temperature. At the same time, it ensures that we can breathe, as it contains the oxygen that all living creatures need to survive.

Unfortunately, however, our atmosphere is under threat - from humans. One major problem is the increasing pollution caused by exhaust gases, especially from traffic and industry. These pollute the air with harmful substances that not only affect the climate, but also damage our health. But there is another, much greater threat: the gases that we emit into the air and that disrupt the natural heat balance. The gases that intensify the so-called "greenhouse effect" are particularly dangerous. They trap more heat in the atmosphere, causing the earth to heat up more and more. This has an impact on the entire ecosystem - from melting glaciers to extreme weather events such as storms and floods.

But there is good news: We can do something to protect our atmosphere and improve its condition. The first step is to rethink our energy consumption. We can all do our bit to reduce our energy consumption - whether it's by using electricity more consciously or choosing environmentally friendly means of transportation. Switching to renewable energies is also an important step towards releasing fewer harmful gases into the air. We can also reduce the pressure on resources by avoiding unnecessary consumption and promoting sustainable products.

Another important measure is reforestation. Trees play a central role in the earth's "air cycle" as they absorb carbon from the air. By preserving forests and planting new trees, we can make a direct contribution to protecting the atmosphere.

But why is it so important that we take care of our atmosphere? Quite simply, it is the basis for our lives. Without it, there would be no air for us to breathe and no temperatures for plants and animals to thrive in. It protects us from the harmful effects of the sun and ensures a balanced climate that is vital for us and future generations.

When we protect the atmosphere, we not only protect our own livelihood, but also that of the animals and plants with which we share this planet. It is in our hands what the future looks like - we can preserve our planet and keep it liveable for future generations. So, let's act together for a healthy atmosphere and a sustainable future!