Greenhouse gases

Greenhouse gases are gases present in the Earth's atmosphere that have the ability to absorb and retain thermal radiation obtained from solar radiation. In doing so, they create a greenhouse effect, which is responsible for maintaining the temperature on the surface of the planet and supporting life.

The most important greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and fluorinated hydrocarbons (HFC, PFC, SF6). These gases are called greenhouse gases because they have the ability to absorb and emit thermal radiation in the form of infrared radiation.

Natural greenhouse gases such as CO2, methane and N2O are produced by natural processes such as the respiration of organisms, the decomposition of organic material, volcanic activity and the natural biosphere. On the other hand, hydrofluorocarbons are synthetically produced chemicals that are used in various industrial applications such as refrigerants and insulation.

The problem with greenhouse gases is that their concentration in the atmosphere is increasing due to human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels and industrial processes. This excessive increase in greenhouse gases contributes to the increase of the greenhouse effect and global warming.

Global warming has an impact on the climate and the environment. Rising temperatures, changes in precipitation, rising sea levels and other climate changes related to the excessive greenhouse effect can have negative consequences for ecosystems, biodiversity, agriculture, water resources and human societies.

Therefore, it is important that we try to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and look for ways to limit their impact on the climate. This includes measures such as the shift to renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, afforestation, improved waste management and the use of sustainable forms of transport.