Greenhouse Gas

Definition

“A gas that contributes to the natural greenhouse effect. The Kyoto Protocol covers a basket of six greenhouse gases (GHGs) produced by human activities: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride."

Source: : European Environment Agency

Explainer

Greenhouse gasses create a hotbox around the surface of the planet, trapping in a layer of heat, which results in global warming. The earth has a natural greenhouse gas effect from water vapor (H20), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide. However, the problem facing the climate is the enhanced greenhouse gas effect, which refers to the increased concentrations of greenhouse gases due to human activity. The gases connected to the enhanced greenhouse gas effect are CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and ozone. The 2015 Paris Agreement was one of the most notable attempt to limit greenhouse gases and its effects.