Table of Contents
Greenhouse Gases Meaning ; Contribution of Greenhouse Gases ;Control of Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouses gases (GHGs) are gases that trap energy from the sun in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing the Earth to warm. The most important GHGs are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. The Earth’s atmosphere naturally contains GHGs, but human activities are causing the levels of some GHGs to increase.
The main contributors to GHG emissions are the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture. GHGs stay in the atmosphere for many years, so even if we stop emitting GHGs today, the Earth will continue to warm for decades. We need to take action to reduce GHG emissions to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.
There are many ways to reduce GHG emissions, including using energy more efficiently, switching to renewable energy sources, and reducing deforestation. We also need to invest in technologies that can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
What are Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
Greenhouse gas emissions are the release of gases into the Earth’s atmosphere that contribute to climate change. The most common greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide, which is released when coal, oil, or natural gas is burned. Other greenhouse gases include methane, ozone, and nitrous oxide.
Percentage contribution to Global Warming
The percentage contribution to global warming from each of the main greenhouse gases is as follows:
Water vapor: 36-70%
Carbon dioxide: 9-26%
Methane: 4-9%
Ozone: 3-7%
Nitrous oxide: 0.3-6%
Water vapor is the most significant greenhouse gas, accounting for between 36% and 70% of global warming. Carbon dioxide is the second most significant greenhouse gas, accounting for between 9% and 26% of global warming. Methane is the third most significant greenhouse gas, accounting for between 4% and 9% of global warming. Ozone is the fourth most significant greenhouse gas, accounting for between 3% and 7% of global warming. Nitrous oxide is the fifth most significant greenhouse gas, accounting for between 0.3% and 6% of global warming.
Why is the Study of Greenhouse Gases necessary?
The study of greenhouse gases is necessary to understand their impacts on the Earth’s climate. Greenhouse gases are gases that trap energy from the sun in the Earth’s atmosphere. This trapped energy causes the Earth to warm, a process called the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is important because it keeps the Earth’s temperature warm enough to support life. However, too much warming can have harmful effects, such as increased melting of glaciers and sea ice, more extreme weather events, and changes in plant and animal habitats. The study of greenhouse gases helps us understand how their levels in the atmosphere are changing and how these changes may affect the Earth’s climate.
Carbon Dioxide
The exhaust of a car is a mixture of gases that includes carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
Methane
Methane is a colorless, odorless, and flammable gas. It is the main component of natural gas. Methane is used as a fuel and as a feedstock in the chemical industry.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a gas that is most commonly used as a dental anesthetic. It can also be used to produce a state of euphoria and relaxation. Nitrous oxide is not addictive and does not produce a “high.”
Tropospheric Ozone
Tropospheric ozone is a pollutant that is harmful to both people and the environment. It is created when emissions from cars, factories, and other sources react with sunlight. Ozone can cause respiratory problems, reduce crop yields, and damage forests.
Halocarbons
Chlorofluorocarbons
Halons
Hydrocarbons
Aromatic hydrocarbons
Alkanes
Alkenes
Alkynes
Benzene
Toluene
Xylene
Alcohols
Ethanol
Methanol
Propanol
Butanol
Aldehydes
Formaldehyde
Acetaldehyde
Ketones
Methyl ethyl ketone
Ethyl methyl ketone
Carboxylic acids
Formic acid
Acetic acid
Propionic acid
Butyric acid
Esters
Ethyl acetate
Butyl acetate
Amides
Acetamide
Butyramide
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
The GWP is a measure of how much a greenhouse gas is estimated to contribute to global warming. It compares the amount of heat trapped by a given gas to that of carbon dioxide.
Order of magnitude of Global Warming Potential
Global Warming Potential is a measure of how much a given greenhouse gas contributes to global warming. It is measured in terms of how much heat would be trapped in the atmosphere if a certain gas was to replace carbon dioxide. The higher the Global Warming Potential, the more heat is trapped.
