Why are gases like nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2) not greenhouse gases, despite being gases that exist in the atmosphere?

Answer 1

Gases like nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2) are not greenhouse gases even though they exist in the atmosphere because they do not have the ability to absorb and radiate thermal infrared energy in the same way as greenhouse gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and others. Greenhouse gases have specific molecular structures that allow them to absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, thereby trapping heat in the atmosphere and causing the greenhouse effect. Nitrogen and oxygen molecules do not have the same molecular structure, so they are not capable of performing the same function.