A great deal of attention has been placed on carbon dioxide as the primary culprit of global warming. What often goes ignored, however, is the major role that other gases such as methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons have in the climate crisis. Research has decisively shown that these forms of gases are responsible for a significant fraction of global warming and are projected to represent a growing proportion of climate-influencing emissions.
Methane, while accounting for just 10% of emissions, is a major cause of global warming. As a highly potent greenhouse gas, it has been estimated to trap 84 times as much heat in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, an increase in methane emissions from sources such as agriculture, forestry, and landfills have caused an approximate 0.05°C increase in global average surface temperature since 2000.
Nitrous oxide is an inorganic gas and another serious contributor to global warming, accounting for nearly 6% of total greenhouse gas emissions. The majority of nitrous oxide originates from agriculturally-related activities such as fertilizer applications and animal manure production, resulting in a warming potential 300 times greater than carbon dioxide.
Finally, hydrofluorocarbons are a man-made set of gases mostly used in refrigeration, cooling and other appliances. While accounting for roughly a tenth of total emissions, hydrofluorocarbons have been identified as causing a disproportionate share of global warming, with a global warming potential up to 23,000 times greater than carbon dioxide.
In conclusion, while carbon dioxide is a major problem and must be addressed, the heated debate surrounding it has left other more potent gases such as methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons in the shadows. To effectively mitigate the long-term effects of climate change, it is vital that we recognize the magnitude of their contribution to global warming and take measures to limit their presence in the atmosphere. This includes increasing the transparency of companies that produce and utilize these gases, encouraging research and development of substitues, and developing targeted policies focused on monitoring and reducing their environmental impact.
