Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect, which helps keep the planet warm. The primary greenhouse gases include:
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Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Released through natural processes (like respiration and volcanic eruptions) and human activities (such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and various industrial processes). CO2 is the most significant GHG emitted by human activities.
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Methane (CH4): Produced during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as by livestock and other agricultural practices. Methane is more effective than CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere.
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Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Emitted during agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during the combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste. It has a much greater warming potential than CO2.
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Water Vapor (H2O): The most abundant greenhouse gas, but it is not directly emitted by human activities. Water vapor increases as the Earth's temperature rises, which can amplify warming.
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Ozone (O3): While ozone high in the atmosphere protects us from harmful UV radiation, ground-level ozone is a pollutant that contributes to warming.
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Fluorinated gases: A group of synthetic greenhouse gases, including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), which are used in various industrial applications. They are typically more potent than CO2 in terms of their ability to trap heat.
These gases contribute to climate change and global warming by either directly trapping heat in the atmosphere or through complex feedback mechanisms in the climate system. Reducing GHG emissions is essential for mitigating climate change and its impacts.