greenhouse gas (Q218)
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Molecules in the atmosphere that play a key role in the greenhouse effect by trapping heat radiating from Earth’s surface.
- green house gases
- green house gas
- GHG
- GHGs
- greenhouse gases
- CO2e
- carbon dioxide equivalent
- CO₂e
| Language | Label | Description | Also known as |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | greenhouse gas |
Molecules in the atmosphere that play a key role in the greenhouse effect by trapping heat radiating from Earth’s surface. |
|
Statements
Greenhouse gases are atmospheric constituents that absorb and emit infrared radiation, trapping heat and thereby regulating Earth's temperature. They include naturally-occurring components—like water vapour and carbon dioxide—and human-made emissions such as various fluorinated compounds. Due to their molecular properties, these gases play a crucial role in the natural greenhouse effect, which sustains life by maintaining a habitable climate. But when their concentrations are enhanced through activities like fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrial processes, they lead to an amplified greenhouse effect and drive climate change.