Greenhouse Gases

Definition

Greenhouse gases are gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat. They let sunlight pass through the atmosphere but prevent the heat that sunlight brings from leaving the atmosphere. The main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases.

Related terms

Methane (CH₄): Methane is another potent greenhouse gas released by natural processes but also human activities such as agriculture and oil production.

Nitrous Oxide (N₂O): Nitrous oxide is a powerful greenhouse gas produced by soil cultivation practices, especially the use of commercial and organic fertilizers, fossil fuel combustion, nitric acid production, and biomass burning.

Fluorinated Gases: These are synthetic, potent greenhouse gases that are emitted from a variety of industrial applications. They are often used as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances.