WASHINGTON, D.C. (WUSA) - Many people have likely heard the phrase "greenhouse gases" on television, in school or in passing. Some of the most common greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. They all have similar effects in high concentrations in the atmosphere. But does the average person actually understand what a greenhouse gas is and why it's called one? Let's take a look at the more common ones.
Making up 0.03% of the Earth's atmosphere, carbon dioxide is the most prevalent greenhouse gas. Carbon dioxide is a primary byproduct of the burning of fossil fuels (i.e., oil, coal and natural gas) and is a main element in auto exhaust. Various chemical reactions (e.g., during the production of cement) also emit carbon dioxide, as do mammals when they exhale.
It's important to note that while it's a natural process for mammals to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, the large scale burning of fossil fuels is not. Fortunately, trees and plants remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere when they absorb it in another natural process. But a pivotal question is whether a balance can be achieved between the production of carbon dioxide and its subsequent removal from the atmosphere.
Methane gas is produced in two primary ways: during the production of coal, oil and natural gas; and during agricultural events (e.g., livestock emit methane during digestion; through the decay of organic waste in landfills). Similarly, nitrous oxide is a byproduct of the agricultural industry and also forms during the burning of fossil fuels.
When these gases build up in the atmosphere, they collectively act as a blanket in the sky, preventing solar energy from radiating back into space. Thus, these gasses keep the surface of the earth warmer than it would otherwise be, creating a "greenhouse effect." While greenhouse gases do occur naturally, human industry produces such high concentrations of them that they can influence global climate according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency or EPA.
There is an ongoing worldwide effort to reduce air pollution and develop cleaner sources of energy. This past December, the United Nations helped craft an agreement between representatives from 194 countries to take effect by 2020 which binds all countries to a commitment to reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. Domestically, led by the EPA, there are "partnerships and programs to promote opportunities to conserve fossil fuels, improve energy efficiency, recover methane and sequester carbon." On a smaller scale, people can take a proactive role in polluting less and promoting energy efficiency, thereby producing less greenhouse gases.
Written by Chris Laudicina