Humans release multiple gases throughout the world that are needed to sustain life, but some of these gases have been proven to cause phenomena such as global warming. Trace gases, in particular, are incredibly prevalent in the atmosphere but their composition has never been more important than it is today. As of 2021, over 97% of scientists recognize that climate change is happening throughout the world and that it’s a result of human activity. To begin to understand climate change, how trace gases contribute to it, and how humans affect the environment, one must analyze the science behind the process.
Our world would be unrecognizable without trace gases as they play an important role in the atmospheric pressure and sustaining life. The most well-known trace gas is carbon dioxide (CO2), which is released from burning of fossil fuels and plays a major role in global warming. The gas is absorbent to sunshine, meaning that more CO2 is able to absorb more sunshine, furthering the warming effects. Additionally, the concentration of the gas has significantly increased from 1750-2010 from 278 parts per million (ppm) to 397 ppm. This marks a 42% increase which has had drastic implications on our planet.
Most trace gases are incredibly strong in capturing shortwave radiation and preventing energy from exiting the atmosphere. This process is known as the “Greenhouse Effect” due to the gas trapping the energy and thus “raising the temperature”, creating hotter climates than typical. This phenomenon has been observed by scientists and meteorologists in practically every corner of the world in the form of extreme weather, violent storms, rising sea levels, and increased temperatures overall.
Though the cause of global warming is debatable, certain changes in temperature due to human influences on the environment have been significantly more noticeable than those caused by natural forces. Scientists suggest that the burning of fossil fuels is directly linked to the severity of global warming effects, noting a distinct rise in the temperatures each time industrial activity has increased.
To make matters worse, trace gases can remain in the atmosphere up to centuries and have a wide range of effect sizes, making some gases more dangerous than others. Nitrous oxide (N2O) for example, is 310 more powerful in absorbing radiation than carbon dioxide and is released in activities such as fertilizer use and burning of fossil fuels. Other trace gases such as methane and halocarbons, if released in large amounts, can cause temperatures to rise 10 to 15 times faster than what would be considered the norm..
In conclusion, trace gases, although naturally occuring, can create an incredibly fragile atmosphere if not kept in check due to their high thermal capacities. To avoid an atmosphere with excess amounts of trace gases, a few preventative steps must be taken. Governments should implement policies that put restrictions on a company’s ability to release these gases, while individuals should take the initiative to reduce their own personal emissions and be educated to recognize the true impacts of releasing trace gases into the atmosphere. If done correctly, the world can begin to overcome the increases in global temperature and ensure a thriving planet for future generations.
