Greenhouse gases refer to the types of gases capable of absorbing infrared radiation and emitting back thermal radiation. These gases can trap heat in the atmosphere, hence the term, greenhouse effect.
Here are the sources of greenhouse gases:
Methane
It’s a naturally occurring gas and is created when organic materials decompose underground. It is now commonly used in cooking, heating, and as a fuel. The problem started when more methane got burned due to the increase in the use of fossil fuels. As a result, methane is released into the atmosphere as a greenhouse gas.
Carbon dioxide
This is the gas humans release when they breathe out. Plants absorb the gas to help them in the process of photosynthesis. Burning too much fossil fuels also contributes to the production of more carbon dioxide. It adds up to the greenhouse gases in the air that leads to the worsening of global warming.
Water vapor
It’s a natural part of the water cycle and is defined as water’s gaseous state. The vapor gathers in the clouds and causes rain. The problem is that it locks in the heat since this is also a form of greenhouse gas. So you may have observed some days when the weather remains warm despite the gloomy weather.
Final Words
The greenhouse effect is the main culprit for global warming. It happens as a result of the increase of greenhouse gases trapping heat in the atmosphere. The greenhouse effect is not bad as it makes the planet habitable because it decreases its coldness. However, it becomes damaging when the effects become too much to the point of causing too much heat.