Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are specific gases present in the Earth’s atmosphere that trap heat. The primary GHGs include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor. These gases allow sunlight to penetrate the atmosphere, warming the planet’s surface. However, they also prevent some of this heat from escaping back into space, resulting in what is known as the greenhouse effect.
CO2 is recognized as the leading contributor to global warming for two primary reasons: its abundance and its longevity in the atmosphere. Although gases such as methane and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have a more potent heat-trapping capability, CO2 is released in far greater quantities and can remain in the atmosphere for centuries.
Since the onset of the Industrial Revolution, human activities have significantly increased CO2 levels in the atmosphere. Actions such as industrial processes, the combustion of fossil fuels, and widespread deforestation have led to a 50% rise in atmospheric CO2. This increase contributes to a warming effect due to CO2’s prolonged presence in the atmosphere.
Radiative forcing describes the alteration in energy balance resulting from greenhouse gases. Among these gases, CO2 plays a crucial role as it is responsible for a substantial portion of this effect. Its high volume and capacity for heat retention contribute significantly to the increase in global temperatures.
While gases like methane and HFCs are more effective at trapping heat on a per molecule basis, CO2 is emitted in much larger quantities and has a longer atmospheric lifespan. This makes CO2 the primary driver of long-term global warming.
Recent reports indicate that CO2 emissions from fossil fuels in India are projected to increase by 4.6% in 2024. This rise aligns with a global trend suggesting that the warming could surpass the 1.5-degree Celsius limit established to mitigate climate change. As stated, “Our responsibility is to manage the Earth’s resources with wisdom, as the cost of ignorance will be borne by future generations.”
Q1. What are greenhouse gases?
Answer: Greenhouse gases are atmospheric gases that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Key examples include carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, which allow sunlight in but prevent heat from escaping.
Q2. Why is CO2 a major greenhouse gas?
Answer: CO2 is the most significant greenhouse gas due to its abundance and longevity in the atmosphere. It is emitted in large quantities and remains for centuries, making it a critical factor in global warming.
Q3. How do human activities affect CO2 levels?
Answer: Human actions, particularly since the Industrial Revolution, have dramatically increased CO2 levels through industrial processes, fossil fuel combustion, and deforestation, raising atmospheric CO2 by 50%.
Q4. What is radiative forcing?
Answer: Radiative forcing refers to the change in energy balance caused by greenhouse gases. CO2 significantly contributes to radiative forcing, impacting global temperatures due to its heat retention properties.
Q5. What are the future trends for CO2 emissions?
Answer: CO2 emissions from fossil fuels in India are expected to rise by 4.6% in 2024, indicating a global trend that may lead to surpassing the 1.5-degree Celsius limit for climate change mitigation.
Question 1: What are greenhouse gases primarily responsible for?
A) Cooling the Earth
B) Trapping heat in the atmosphere
C) Filtering sunlight
D) Promoting plant growth
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which gas is considered the main contributor to global warming?
A) Methane
B) Nitrous oxide
C) Carbon dioxide
D) Water vapor
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: How much have human activities increased CO2 levels since the Industrial Revolution?
A) 10%
B) 25%
C) 50%
D) 75%
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What does radiative forcing measure?
A) The cooling effect of the atmosphere
B) The change in energy balance due to GHGs
C) The absorption of sunlight
D) The effect of water vapor on climate
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What trend is expected for CO2 emissions in 2024 in India?
A) Decrease by 4.6%
B) Remain stable
C) Increase by 4.6%
D) Increase by 10%
Correct Answer: C
Question 6: Which gas has a longer atmospheric lifespan?
A) Methane
B) Carbon dioxide
C) Nitrous oxide
D) Ozone
Correct Answer: B
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