Environmental Politics and Policy

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Greenhouse gases

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Environmental Politics and Policy

Definition

Greenhouse gases are atmospheric gases that trap heat from the Earth's surface, leading to the greenhouse effect, which contributes to global warming and climate change. These gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases, which are all essential to understanding energy policies and environmental impacts on a global scale.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Carbon dioxide is the most prevalent greenhouse gas released by human activities, primarily through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation.
  2. Methane is significantly more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere but is present in smaller quantities; it mainly comes from agricultural practices and landfills.
  3. Nitrous oxide emissions come from agricultural activities, fossil fuel combustion, and industrial processes and have a much higher global warming potential than CO2 over a shorter time frame.
  4. The increase in greenhouse gas concentrations since the industrial revolution is closely linked to rising global temperatures, with significant implications for weather patterns and ecosystems.
  5. International agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to limit global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through national commitments to climate action.

Review Questions

  • How do greenhouse gases contribute to the greenhouse effect and what are its implications for global energy policies?
    • Greenhouse gases contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface. This process keeps the Earth's atmosphere warm enough to support life but also leads to climate change when their concentrations increase significantly. As a result, global energy policies are increasingly focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency to mitigate climate impacts.
  • Evaluate the role of methane as a greenhouse gas compared to carbon dioxide in terms of its potency and sources of emissions.
    • Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential more than 25 times that of carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. While it is less abundant than CO2 in the atmosphere, methane's short-lived nature means it has a significant impact on near-term climate change. Major sources of methane emissions include livestock digestion, rice cultivation, and decomposition of organic waste in landfills, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to reduce emissions from these sectors.
  • Assess how addressing greenhouse gas emissions aligns with both environmental sustainability and economic growth in energy policies.
    • Addressing greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable energy policies can create a dual benefit of fostering environmental sustainability while promoting economic growth. Transitioning to renewable energy sources reduces reliance on fossil fuels, thereby decreasing emissions and mitigating climate change effects. Additionally, investing in green technologies can drive innovation, create jobs in emerging industries, and enhance energy security. As nations move toward sustainable practices, they not only tackle climate issues but also pave the way for robust economic development.
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