In recent years, global warming has become an increasingly salient issue and scientists have been studying the potential gases which may be contributing to this trend. Temperature and climate data taken from around the world has shown that the global temperature is steadily rising, indicating that the Earth is in fact experiencing global warming. While the exact cause or causes remain unknown, it is believed that certain gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, may be contributing to this phenomenon.
Carbon dioxide is considered among the most prevalent greenhouse gases and has been used as an indicator of global warming for quite some time. This gas is vital for maintaining life on Earth and it absorbs heat from the sun that would otherwise escape back into space. However, in recent decades human activities have substantially increased the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. As a consequence, the Earth’s atmosphere has absorbed more and more heat from the sun, resulting in a rise in temperature. Scientific evidence has suggested that up to 60% of the observed warming since mid-20th century is due to the build-up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Methane, a hydrocarbon gas, also contributes to global warming. This gas is naturally released into the atmosphere by sources such as animals, wetlands, and marine life. Anthropogenic activities, such as the burning of coal and natural gas, have caused the release of additional methane into the atmosphere. As with carbon dioxide, methane traps heat from the sun and warms the Earth’s atmosphere. Estimates indicate that methane accounts for around 20% of the observed warming since mid-20th century.
In addition to carbon dioxide and methane, several other human-influenced gases, such as nitrous oxide, play a role in global warming. Nitrous oxide, which is released through the burning of fossil fuels, agricultural and industrial activities, has an especially significant effect. While the exact amount is difficult to determine, it is believed that nitrous oxide is responsible for roughly 6% of the global average warming since mid-20th century.
The effects of global warming can manifest in a variety of ways, including increased temperatures, rising sea levels, melting glaciers, changes in precipitation and an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events. The human population is incredibly vulnerable to these changes and the poorest communities will be the most severely impacted. In order to mitigate the risks associated with global warming and to keep temperature rises below 2°C, it will be necessary to focus on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. By cutting back on energy consumption and investing in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power, individuals can have a positive impact on the environment and help reduce the effects of global warming.
