The Causes of Climate change
Greenhouse Gas Emission
Greenhouse gases are are gases in an atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation within the thermal infrared range.
Some greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide occur naturally and are emitted to the atmosphere through natural processes and human activities. Other greenhouse gases (e.g., fluorinated gases) are created and emitted solely through human activities.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)— a result from the burning of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal), solid waste, trees and wood products, and also as a result of other chemical reactions (e.g., manufacture of cement). The gas can be removed by plants.
Methane (CH4)— emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil and also from livestock and other agricultural practices and by the decay of organic waste in municipal solid waste landfills.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O)— emitted during agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.
Fluorinated Gases (ozone-depleting substances)— Hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride are synthetic, powerful greenhouse gases that are emitted from a variety of industrial processes. Although they are emitted in smaller quantities, because they are potent greenhouse gases
Waste
Waste prevention and recycling reduce greenhouse gases associated with these activities by reducing methane emissions, saving energy, and increasing forest carbon sequestration.
The Causes of Climate change: Information from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/index.html)
