Understanding Greenhouse Gases
Global Warming Potential
1
25
298
140 - 12,000
6,500 - 9,200
23,500
17,200
Greenhouse Gas
CO2
CH4
N2O
HFCs
PFCs
SF6
NF3
Carbon Dioxide (Co2)
Global Warming Potential
(GWP) = 1
Characteristics of Co2
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is one of the most common greenhouse gases produced by burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and other human activities. It has a long atmospheric lifetime, contributing significantly to global warming.
Impact of Co2 emissions
Excessive CO2 emissions lead to the greenhouse effect, trapping heat in the atmosphere and causing climate change. This gas is a major driver of global warming and ocean acidification.
Climate change effects
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is one of the most common greenhouse gases produced by burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and other human activities. It has a long atmospheric lifetime, contributing significantly to global warming.
Methane (CH4)
Global Warming Potential
(GWP) = 25
Sources of Methane
Methane (CH4) is released from natural sources like wetlands and human activities such as livestock farming, rice cultivation, and landfills. It is a potent greenhouse gas.
Potency of Methane
CH4 has a higher heat-trapping capacity than CO2, though it stays in the atmosphere for a shorter time. Its impact on global warming is significant.
Environmental effects
Methane contributes to atmospheric warming, affects air quality, and plays a role in the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful pollutant.
Nitous Oxide (N20)
Global Warming Potential
(GWP) = 298
Sources of N20
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) is released from agricultural activities like fertilizers and manure management, as well as industrial processes. It is a potent greenhouse gas.
Significance of N20
N2O has a high global warming potential and contributes to both atmospheric warming and ozone layer depletion. Its levels have been rising due to human activities.
Implications of N20 emissions
The impact of N2O extends beyond global warming, influencing nitrogen cycles, soil health, and the overall balance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Fluorinated Gases
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
Global Warming Potential
(GWP) = 140 - 12,000
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
Global Warming Potential
(GWP) = 6,500 - 9,200
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)
Global Warming Potential
(GWP) = 23,500
Properties of HFC’s
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are synthetic gases commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and insulation. They have high global warming potential and long atmospheric lifetimes.
Contributions to Global Warming
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) are highly potent greenhouse gases used in various industrial applications, contributing to climate change.
Environmental Impact
Fluorinated gases, including NF3, are among the most potent greenhouse gases, with diverse applications across industries and significant contributions to global warming.
Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3)
Global Warming Potential
(GWP) = 17,200
Usage of NF3
Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3) is used in the semiconductor industry for cleaning chemical vapors during the production of electronics. It is a potent greenhouse gas.
Emission Sources
NF3 emissions primarily stem from electronics manufacturing plants and the semiconductor industry, contributing to global warming and climate change.
Environmental Impact
NF3 has a high global warming potential and resides in the atmosphere for an extended duration, making it a significant player in the greenhouse gas inventory.