Greenhouse gases

Definition

Greenhouse gases are atmospheric gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect, which warms the planet. These gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, play a crucial role in climate change by absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation, ultimately affecting global temperatures and weather patterns.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The increase in greenhouse gases since the Industrial Revolution has led to a significant rise in global average temperatures, causing climate change.
2. Carbon dioxide is responsible for about three-quarters of the greenhouse gas emissions generated by human activities.
3. Methane is over 25 times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat over a 100-year period, making it a critical target for climate action.
4. Deforestation contributes to increased levels of greenhouse gases by reducing the number of trees available to absorb carbon dioxide.
5. International agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to limit greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change impacts globally.

Review Questions

• How do greenhouse gases contribute to climate change and what are some specific examples of their effects?
  • Greenhouse gases contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures. For instance, increased carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels result in warmer temperatures, which can cause more frequent and severe weather events like hurricanes and droughts. Additionally, methane emissions from agricultural practices accelerate warming due to its potency as a greenhouse gas, creating feedback loops that further intensify climate impacts.
• Analyze the relationship between human activities and the increase in greenhouse gas emissions over the past century.
  • Human activities, particularly industrialization, deforestation, and agriculture, have led to a dramatic increase in greenhouse gas emissions over the past century. The burning of fossil fuels for energy and transportation is a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, practices such as livestock farming release significant amounts of methane. This human-induced rise in greenhouse gases has disrupted natural balance, resulting in global warming and subsequent climate change challenges.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current international policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and their implications for future climate change.
  • Current international policies, such as the Paris Agreement, aim to limit global temperature rise by setting targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While these initiatives have led to increased awareness and some progress among nations, challenges remain due to differing national interests and economic priorities. The effectiveness of these policies hinges on global cooperation and commitment; failure to achieve set targets could exacerbate climate change impacts like sea-level rise and extreme weather events, necessitating stronger actions and innovative solutions.

Related terms

Carbon dioxide: A colorless gas produced by the respiration of animals and plants, as well as by burning fossil fuels; it is the primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activities.

Methane: A potent greenhouse gas with a much higher heat-trapping ability than carbon dioxide, released during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as from livestock and other agricultural practices.

Greenhouse effect: The natural process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space and keeping the planet warm enough to sustain life.