NewsIMTSGreenhouse gases trap heat in Earth's atmosphere, causing global warming. Carbon dioxide releases when we burn fossil fuels and cut forests. Methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, comes from livestock, landfills, and fossil fuel production. Nitrous oxide primarily originates from agricultural activities and has stronger warming effects than CO₂. Today, water vapour is the most abundant greenhouse gas, acting as a climate feedback mechanism. From tomorrow, ozone at ground level contributes to warming when pollutants react with sunlight. Until next week, CFCs and HFCs from refrigerants and aerosols continue affecting our climate despite regulation. These gases are necessary in small amounts but cause serious problems at high concentrations. Reducing emissions through clean energy, tree planting, and sustainable choices can help protect our planet's future. (Updated 1 Nov 2025, 08:25 IST; source: link)
Main Greenhouse Gases and Their Sources
Greenhouse gases trap heat in Earth's atmosphere, causing our planet to warm. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is released when we burn coal, oil, and gas for electricity, transport, and industry. When forests are cut down, less CO₂ is absorbed from the air. Methane, though less common than CO₂, traps 25 times more heat. It comes from cow digestion, rice fields, landfills, and gas leaks. Nitrous oxide is released mainly from fertilizers and has 300 times the warming power of CO₂. Water vapour is actually the most abundant greenhouse gas, increasing as the Earth warms in a feedback loop.
How Greenhouse Gases Affect Our Climate
Greenhouse gases work like a blanket around Earth, trapping heat that would otherwise escape to space. This natural process keeps our planet warm enough for life, but human activities have increased these gases to dangerous levels. The extra heat trapped causes global warming, which leads to climate change. Effects include rising sea levels as ice melts, more extreme weather like floods and droughts, and threats to farming. The ocean absorbs much CO₂, becoming more acidic and harming marine life. While some warming happens naturally, the rapid increase in greenhouse gases since the Industrial Revolution has caused unprecedented climate changes.
Key Points
- Greenhouse gases trap heat in Earth's atmosphere, causing global warming.
- Reducing emissions through clean energy, tree planting, and sustainable choices can help protect our planet's future.
- Carbon dioxide releases when we burn fossil fuels and cut forests.