Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming. The increase in greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), has been primarily caused by human activities, especially industrialization.
Industries responsible for the increase in greenhouse gases:
The atmospheric concentrations of naturally occurring greenhouse gases—carbon dioxide (CO2, red), methane (CH4, blue), and nitrous oxide (N2O, green)—have varied over the past 650 millennia. During glacial periods (minima in the black curve), concentrations were lower, while during interglacial periods (denoted by the grey bars), concentrations were higher.
Until the past two centuries, the concentrations of CO2 and CH4 had never exceeded about 280 ppm and 790 ppb, respectively. However, current concentrations of CO2 are about 414 ppm, and CH4 levels exceed 1,867 ppb. Nitrous oxide concentrations have also increased from a pre-industrial level of 270 ppb to 332 ppb in 2019.
Human activities currently release over 30 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year. Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations have increased by more than 40 percent since pre-industrial times, from approximately 280 ppm in the 18th century to 414 ppm in 2020.
Human activities have also increased methane concentrations during most of the 20th century to more than 2.5 times the pre-industrial level. Methane concentrations rose from approximately 722 ppb in the 18th century to 1,867 ppb in 2019.
Nitrous oxide concentrations have risen approximately 20 percent since the start of the Industrial Revolution, with a relatively rapid increase toward the end of the 20th century. Nitrous oxide concentrations increased from a pre-industrial level of 270 ppb to 332 ppb in 2019.
The best sequestration method for reducing greenhouse gases is afforestation and reforestation. Planting trees and restoring forests help absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, effectively sequestering carbon and mitigating climate change.
Sequestration research plays a vital role in addressing the challenges posed by air pollution and climate change. By implementing sustainable practices, reducing emissions from industries, and actively promoting tree planting initiatives, we can work towards creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.