The five major greenhouse gases (GHG) are: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and water vapor.
Here's a breakdown of each:
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Carbon Dioxide (CO2): As highlighted in the reference material, CO2 is the most significant greenhouse gas, accounting for approximately 65% of global GHG emissions. It's primarily released through the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy, deforestation, and industrial processes.
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Methane (CH4): Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, although it has a shorter lifespan in the atmosphere compared to CO2. Major sources include livestock farming, natural gas and petroleum production, coal mining, and waste decomposition in landfills.
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Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Nitrous oxide is another powerful GHG emitted from agricultural activities (fertilizer use), industrial processes, and the combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.
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Ozone (O3): Ozone acts as a greenhouse gas in the troposphere (the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere). It is created through chemical reactions involving pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and other sources.
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Water Vapor (H2O): Water vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. However, unlike the other GHGs, its concentration is largely determined by temperature. Warmer air holds more moisture, creating a feedback loop that amplifies warming. Human activities don't directly control water vapor concentrations as much as other GHGs.
