AGW: Understanding the Basics Is Essential

If we cannot and do not explain the physical science and quantum mechanics of such things as the ‘greenhouse effect’ so that the layperson can understand, then we do a disservice to them and to ourselves. 

For example, when photons of visible light strikes the surface of the Earth they cause the molecules of the surface struck to vibrate faster, increasing its temperature. This energy is then re-radiated by the Earth as longer wave photons, infrared radiation (heat). These photons interact only with greenhouse gas molecules in the atmosphere — which slows down their escape back into space, thus causing the atmosphere to retain more infrared photonic energy (heat).

Another example: The reason organic farming is so important in helping to sequester carbon is that it helps build up humus in the soil, whereas the use of synthetic fertilizers works towards stripping the soil of humus. Soil Regeneration describes practices that build up the life in the topsoil that feeds the plants we need in order to survive. Soil Degradation is when soil is overused and its quality declines due to excessive farming practices, and can occur from factors such as erosion, nutrient depletion, compaction, and loss of organic matter.

https://samslair.blogspot.com/2023/08/agw-carbon-sequestration-in-topsoil.html?m=1

Note: The following glossary has a search function at the top of the page which will link you to short explanation pages that each give you a link to a more detailed explanation and to other subjects related to global climate change. They are very well written in sensible terms:

https://ugc.berkeley.edu/glossary/

AGW: Carbon Sequestration in Topsoil

In most places where agribiz farming methods prevail, the uppermost layer of topsoil that was rich in humus is long gone.

What sustains crop yields is the use of synthetic fertilizers, which do nothing to sustain the microbiome needed to rebuild the quality of soil.

Indeed, our use of synthetic fertilizers not only greatly reduces the quality of our soils, but also releases nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. Even the inactive fillers that such chemical fertilizers are mixed with to enhance their effective application are problematic because they are not adequately regulated and many toxic materials are all too often used.

https://www.southlandorganics.com/blogs/news/17982096-health-effects-of-synthetic-fertilizer

Additionally, the nitrogen from such fertilizers washes out of the soil and into our waterways, thus creating extensive algae blooms that are disruptive. The catch-22 is that we’re so dependent on synthetic fertilizers and the doubled amount of food production that they allow that we will find it increasingly difficult to begin restoring the once abundant levels of humus in our topsoils that’s needed to further sequester carbon dioxide and increase crop yields organically.

Note: The Ukraine war’s disruption of shipments of food and fertilizer may give us a taste of what’s to come when the eventual use of synthetic fertilizer use is disrupted by the need to reduce greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide (and to sequester carbon dioxide in the soil by restoring original humus levels and its bio-genome).

https://climate.mit.edu/explainers/fertilizer-and-climate-change

YouTube (11:55)“Soil Is A Living Organism”:

https://youtu.be/8ugaL6wsXME

(04:34) Soil Sequestration of Carbon:

https://youtu.be/ECHYChDUfhQ

Supplemental: 

At the most basic level, synthetic fertilizers incompletely feed the plant; organic fertilizers feed the soil that feeds the entirety of the plant.

For more, search: 

‘hazards of synthetic chemical fertilizers’

‘natural ways enrich soil’

‘biochar enrich soil’

History: Victorian Tea Drinkers and China’s ‘Century of Humiliation’

In the 1800s, cities in Britain were crowded, dirty and disease ridden. The British observed that the mortality rate amongst tea drinkers was notably less than was typical. They attributed this to the medicinal qualities of tea, not realizing that it was the act of boiling the water and killing pathogens that was the key. This misconception helped fuel an ever greater desire for tea from China.

Meanwhile, China’s great need to establish a solid national monetary system caused them to only accept silver for their goods. However, when the British ran low on silver, they began smuggling opium from India into China in exchange for silver, which they then bought tea and such with. This eventually led to the Opium Wars when China tried to stop opium from entering the country. This, in turn, led to China’s defeat — and, thus, began their ‘one hundred years of humiliation’ at the hands of foreign imperialists. 

“Role of Silver in Chinese History”

https://aheadoftheherd.com/the-role-of-silver-in-chinese-history/

“China’s Century of Humiliation” 

(1 hour 16 minute video)

https://youtu.be/boPkMCJSYSs