Greenhouse gases are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat from the sun and contribute to the greenhouse effect. They include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases.
Think of greenhouse gases like a blanket on a cold night. Just as a blanket traps your body heat, greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A greenhouse gas released through activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
Methane (CH4): A potent greenhouse gas produced by natural processes, livestock farming, and landfills.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O): A powerful greenhouse gas emitted from agricultural and industrial activities, as well as combustion of fossil fuels.
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