Glossary

Greenhouse gases

Greenhouse gases are gases that absorb heat in the atmosphere and contribute to the "greenhouse effect." These gases occur naturally, but their levels have significantly increased due to human activities. The main sources of increased greenhouse gases are the production and combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Among the most well-known greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. The rise in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere contributes to global warming and climate change.