There are five primary greenhouse gases...
These gases are released into our atmosphere through the above methods. Several occur naturally, but all are amplified by human activities.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is created and enters the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels, the rotting of solid waste, and large-scale deforestation. The concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide has risen by roughly 40% from 1850 to 2000. (Source: Frequently Asked Global Change Questions). This rise corresponds with the Industrial Revolution in Western Europe and the United States,
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Methane
Methane originates primarily through the burning of fossil fuels and is considered one of most potent greenhouse gases. Over a 100-year period, it has 25 times more global warming potential than carbon dioxide. See Changes in Atmospheric Constituents and in Radiative Forcing (pdf)
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Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide comes from the emissions of industrial and agricultural practices. Over a 100-year period, it has 298 times more potential to cause global warming than carbon dioxide. See Changes in Atmospheric Constituents and in Radiative Forcing (pdf)
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Fluorinated Gases
Fluorinated gases are synthetic gases that result from various human activities such as running air conditioners. These include hydrofluorocarbons, sulfer hexafluoride and perfluorocarbons. These gases have a global warming potential 4,000 to 10,000 times that of carbon dioxide. See Greenhouse Gases: Some Definitions.
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Ozone
Ozone is found in both the upper and lower atmosphere. In the upper level, it protects against ultraviolet light from the sun. The 2001 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Third Assessment Report states that the radiative forcing of ozone is about 25% that of carbon dioxide, and that over a 20 year period, the global warming potential of ozone is roughly 65 times that of carbon dioxide. See IPCC Third Assessment Report
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