Ecoage: Science and Technology
Our Planet: Earth
Earth, the third planet from the Sun, is the largest of the rocky planets in our solar system, located around 149.6 million km from the Sun (1 Astronomical Unit). It stands out for having water in all its forms and an atmosphere rich in nitrogen and oxygen. Earth’s mass is approximately 5.98 × 10²⁴ kg, and its core element is iron. It also has one natural satellite, the Moon.
Geosphere
The geosphere is the solid part of Earth, consisting of the crust, mantle, and core. The crust is the outermost layer where life exists; the mantle extends roughly 2,900 km beneath the surface; and the core, divided into a solid inner core and a liquid outer core, is primarily made of iron and nickel. The geosphere interacts with the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere, shaping Earth’s processes and supporting life.
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that helps regulate Earth’s temperature by trapping heat in the atmosphere. Sunlight is absorbed by Earth’s surface and then re-emitted as infrared radiation, but part of this heat is captured by greenhouse gases, warming the planet.
Ozone depletion refers to the thinning of the ozone layer, which shields us from harmful ultraviolet rays. This depletion is primarily caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and poses serious risks to both human health and ecosystems. The phenomenon is particularly severe over the South Pole and increases by about 5% every decade.
Sustainable development promotes economic and social progress that is in harmony with environmental protection and social equity. It introduces a new growth model aimed at overcoming the limitations of traditional economic development (e.g., resource scarcity, pollution) by applying the principles of environmental economics.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy comes from sources that are naturally replenished and do not deplete the Earth's resources. These sources regenerate after use, making them inexhaustible. Some renewable energy sources are abundant and can be harnessed without being depleted.
|
|
