Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat. They allow sunlight to enter the atmosphere but prevent some of the heat that the sunlight brings from leaving the atmosphere. This leads to the greenhouse effect, which warms the Earth and is essential for maintaining the temperature necessary for life.
The primary greenhouse gases include:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2): Produced by burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and other human activities.
- Methane (CH4): Emitted during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as from livestock and other agricultural practices.
- Nitrous oxide (N2O): Emitted from agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.
- Water vapor (H2O): The most abundant greenhouse gas, but its concentration in the atmosphere is largely controlled by natural processes.
- Ozone (O3): Found in the Earth's stratosphere, it plays a role in absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation, but at ground level, it can be a pollutant.
- Fluorinated gases: A group of synthetic gases used in various industrial applications, which have a high global warming potential.
These gases contribute to global warming and climate change when present in excessive amounts due to human activities.
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