The seven greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are commonly monitored and regulated are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3). These gases contribute to global warming and climate change by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
Here's a breakdown of each greenhouse gas:
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Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Primarily released through the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, deforestation, and industrial processes. It's the most abundant greenhouse gas resulting from human activities.
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Methane (CH4): Emitted from agricultural activities (especially livestock), natural gas and petroleum systems, and decaying organic waste in landfills. While it has a shorter lifespan in the atmosphere than CO2, it is much more potent in trapping heat.
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Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Released from agricultural and industrial activities, combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste, as well as during wastewater treatment. It is a powerful greenhouse gas and also contributes to ozone depletion.
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Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6): Used in electrical transmission equipment, magnesium production, and semiconductor manufacturing. SF6 is an extremely potent greenhouse gas with a very long atmospheric lifetime.
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Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): Synthetic gases primarily used in refrigeration, air conditioning, aerosols, and fire suppression. They were developed as replacements for ozone-depleting substances but are potent greenhouse gases.
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Perfluorocarbons (PFCs): Emitted as byproducts of some industrial processes, such as aluminum production and semiconductor manufacturing. PFCs have very long atmospheric lifetimes and high global warming potentials.
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Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3): Used in the manufacturing of semiconductors and flat-panel displays. Although emitted in smaller quantities compared to other GHGs, NF3 has a high global warming potential.
Understanding and reducing these seven greenhouse gas emissions is crucial for mitigating climate change and its associated impacts.
