Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are atmospheric gases that absorb and emit infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere. These gases play a crucial role in regulating the planet's temperature, but excessive concentrations can lead to global warming and climate change.

Common greenhouse gases include:

• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Produced by burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and certain industrial processes.
• 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): Released from agricultural activities, fossil fuel combustion, and industrial processes.
• Fluorinated Gases: Synthetic gases used in industrial applications, including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs).

Greenhouse gases are measured using their Global Warming Potential (GWP), which indicates their heat-trapping ability compared to carbon dioxide over a specific time frame.

Source(s):

• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2018). Annex I: Glossary. In: Greenhouse Gases.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2024). Overview of Greenhouse Gases.
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). (n.d.). Causes of Climate Change: Greenhouse Gases.

You Might Also Be Interested In:

• Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
• Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
• Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)
• Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
• Methane (CH4)
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
• ESG
• Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
• Carbon Offset