What are the main greenhouse gases responsible for climate change?
The main greenhouse gases responsible for climate change are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. These gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing an increase in global temperatures. CO2 is the most significant greenhouse gas and primarily comes from burning fossil fuels for energy and deforestation. Methane is released during agricultural activities, coal mining, and the extraction of oil and gas. N2O mostly originates from agricultural and industrial activities, as well as the burning of fossil fuels. Fluorinated gases are synthetic compounds used in various industrial applications.
Long answer
The Earth’s climate undergoes natural fluctuations; however, human activities have significantly contributed to a rise in global temperatures over the past century. This warming is primarily due to an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases are molecules that can absorb and emit infrared radiation, trapping heat within the Earth’s atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most prevalent greenhouse gas generated by human activities. The burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas for electricity, transportation, heating, and industrial processes release vast amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Deforestation also contributes to increased CO2 levels since trees act as carbon sinks by absorbing atmospheric CO2 through photosynthesis.
Methane (CH4) is another potent greenhouse gas with a stronger warming potential than CO2 over shorter timescales. It mainly originates from human-related activities such as livestock farming, rice cultivation, coal mining emissions, landfill waste decomposition, and leaks from natural gas infrastructure. Additionally, natural sources like wetlands also release significant amounts of methane.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is produced through agricultural practices like nitrogen-based fertilizer use and livestock manure management. Industrial processes such as combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste also contribute to its presence in the atmosphere. N2O has a warming potential several times greater than CO2 and can persist in the atmosphere for many years.
Fluorinated gases, including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), are synthetic compounds. These gases are primarily used in various industrial applications, such as refrigeration, air conditioning, and the electronics industry. While they exist in relatively smaller quantities compared to CO2 or methane, fluorinated gases have exceptionally high global warming potentials and can remain in the atmosphere for long periods.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to mitigate climate change effects. Efforts like transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, sustainable agricultural practices, and promoting reforestation can help curb the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere. Additionally, international agreements such as the Paris Agreement aim to limit global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from participating countries.