What are greenhouse gases? Greenhouse gases are gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrous and sulfurous compounds, CFC (chlorofluorocarbons) and methane.
These are called greenhouse gases because they cause the greenhouse effect. Such gases absorb infrared radiation resulting in a surge in earth’s temperature. The greenhouse effect is the name for the warming up of the earth due to changes in its atmosphere.
The greenhouse effect must be combated by using less greenhouse gases as it poses a substantial threat to the survival of all species on earth including humans.
Where do greenhouse gases come from? There is no doubt about the fact that a large amount of the harmful levels of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere come from human industrial activity. This is demonstrated by the levels of these gases in the atmosphere increased drastically during and after the Industrial Revolution in the 1900s.
Causes: Key causes of greenhouse gases include burning fossil fuels (which produces CO2 and other chemicals), agriculture (nitrous oxide is released when fertilizers are sprayed onto crops and the use of coolants and refrigerants (which contain high levels of CFCs).
Conclusion: We must all do our bit to stop pumping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Laura, Edited.