The major cause of the greenhouse effect is the increase in greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space and thus warming the planet. The primary greenhouse gases include:
-
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Released through burning fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and various industrial processes. It is the most significant long-term driver of the greenhouse effect.
-
Methane (CH4): Produced during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as from livestock and other agricultural practices, and by the decay of organic waste in landfills.
-
Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Emitted during agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.
-
Fluorinated Gases: A group of synthetic gases used in various industrial applications. They are less common but can be much more potent in terms of their heat-trapping ability.
The increase in these gases is largely due to human activities, particularly since the industrial revolution, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming.