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This is an accepted version of this page This is the latest accepted revision, reviewed on 10 January 2025. Gas in an atmosphere with certain absorption characteristics This article is about the physical properties of greenhouse gases. For how human activities are adding to greenhouse gases, see Greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases trap some of the heat that results when sunlight heats ...
The greenhouse effect on Earth is defined as: "The infrared radiative effect of all infrared absorbing constituents in the atmosphere.Greenhouse gases (GHGs), clouds, and some aerosols absorb terrestrial radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface and elsewhere in the atmosphere."
Methane (CH 4) is one of the more potent greenhouse gases and is mainly produced by the digestion or decay of biological organisms. It is considered the second most important greenhouse gas, [10] yet the methane cycle in the atmosphere is currently only poorly understood. [11] The amount of methane produced and absorbed yearly varies widely. [10]
Attempts to limit greenhouse gas emissions are centre-stage as the world tackles climate change.
Climate change can be mitigated by reducing the rate at which greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere, and by increasing the rate at which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere. [270] To limit global warming to less than 1.5 °C global greenhouse gas emissions needs to be net-zero by 2050, or by 2070 with a 2 °C target. [271]
The American Geophysical Union (AGU) adopted a statement on Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases in 1998. [13] A new statement, adopted by the society in 2003, revised in 2007, and revised and expanded in 2013, [14] affirms that rising levels of greenhouse gases have caused and will continue to cause the global surface temperature to be warmer:
The two most notable greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide and methane. [29] Greenhouse gas emissions, and hence humanity's carbon footprint, have been increasing during the 21st century. [30] The Paris Agreement aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions enough to limit the rise in global temperature to no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial ...
Changes in atmospheric composition can thus shift the overall radiation balance. For example, an increase in heat trapping by a growing concentration of greenhouse gases (i.e. an enhanced greenhouse effect) forces a decrease in OLR and a warming (restorative) energy imbalance. [11]