Greenhouse effectrefers to the trapping of heat by certain gases in the atmosphere, including
carbon dioxide and methane. Although these gases occur in only trace amounts, they block significant
amounts of heat from escaping out into space, thus keeping the Earth warm enough for us to survive.
Green House Gases
1. Water Vapor
You would never think it, but water vapor tops the list of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
The earth continuously produces water vapor, which evaporates and then goes up to the
atmosphere. Clouds, fog, and haze are all part of water vapor, with steam being the main fossil
fuel combustion byproduct. Steam from water comprises up to 70 percent of the total greenhouse
effect. Even worse is the vicious cycle of the warming effect currently happening, because higher
temperatures actually create more water vapor, which then causes temperatures to rise yet again,
and so on. So, instead of focusing just on your carbon footprint, you should also be thinking
about your steam footprint!
2. Carbon Dioxide
This greenhouse gas is another one of the major greenhouse gases, but it is the second most
prevalent in the atmosphere after water vapor. It is released when power plants process fossil
fuels, and also from the breathing of humans and animals, and others. Although carbon dioxide is
often considered the worst greenhouse gas, it is not actually true. However, since there is more
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere than any other greenhouse gases emitted by humans (only
topped by water vapor), it does have the most obvious impact.
3. Methane
Methane is the next on our top 5 list of greenhouse gases. This gas is probably the most
damaging of all. When it comes to global warming, methane is 20 times more harmful than
carbon dioxide. Methane is often trapped inside the earth and it is released by mining. It can also
be released by animals such as cows because of flatulence. Other sources of methane also exist.
4. Nitrous Oxide
Another one of the major greenhouse gases is nitrous oxide. It is not usually used in combustion
processes of fossil fuels or fossil fuel power plants. Instead, you can find nitrous oxide in
medical locations or dental offices, and it is commonly referred to as “laughing gas”. However, it
is not so funny when you realize how damaging this gas is to the earth and the environment.
5. Ozone
This greenhouse gas comes with a double threat. Firstly, ozone stays near the ground, which
results in air pollution, smog, and lung problems for the inhabitants. Then it evaporates into a
greenhouse gas, and traps heat near the earth, which contributes to global warming.
Although we presented you with a top 5 list of greenhouse gases, there is a new damaging
greenhouse gas that has been discovered called SulfurylFluoride. It was first used as a fumigant
to kill termites. This chemical can last for up to 40 years and traps significant amounts more heat
than CO2.