GREEN HOUSE GASES

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to the
greenhouse effect and contributing to global warming and eventually climate change. They act like a
blanket, trapping heat from the sun and preventing it from escaping back into space. This natural
greenhouse effect is essential for maintaining temperatures suitable for life on Earth.

Without greenhouse gases, Earth would be too cold to support life as we know it. The absence of
these gases would lead to an average surface temperature of approximately -18°C (0°F), making our
planet inhospitable. Greenhouse gases help maintain Earth's average temperature around 15°C
(59°F), enabling the existence of diverse ecosystems and life forms.

Climate change, in simple words, is when the Earth's usual weather patterns, like how hot or cold it
gets and how much rain or snow falls, start to change over a long time. This happens because people
are putting too much heat-trapping gases, like carbon dioxide, into the air, which makes the Earth
warmer. This can cause problems like more extreme weather, rising sea levels, and harm to the
environment and our way of life. Climate change has a wide range of impacts on the environment,
society, and the economy. Here are a few significant impacts of climate change:

Rising Temperatures: Global warming leads to hotter temperatures, affecting agriculture, human
health, and ecosystems.

Extreme Weather Events: Climate change contributes to more frequent and severe events like
hurricanes, heatwaves, forest fires, floods, droughts, and heavy rainfall, causing damage and loss of
life and property.

Melting Ice and Rising Sea Levels: The warming climate causes polar ice caps and glaciers to melt,
leading to rising sea levels, which can flood coastal areas and disrupt ecosystems.

Ocean Acidification: Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is absorbed by the oceans, making
them more acidic, which harms marine life, especially coral reefs and shellfish.

Ecosystem Disruption: Shifts in temperature and weather patterns can disrupt ecosystems, affecting
plant and animal species, leading to shifts in the distribution and behavior of species, migration
patterns, and food chains.

Impacts on Agriculture: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can harm crop yields,
leading to food insecurity and higher prices.

Health Consequences: Climate change can exacerbate health issues, with increased heat-related
illnesses, the spread of diseases, and worsened air quality. Climate change can increase the spread of
disease vectors, such as mosquitoes carrying diseases like malaria and dengue, and exacerbate heat-
related health issues.

Economic Costs: The damage caused by climate change can lead to substantial economic costs,
including property damage, reduced agricultural productivity, and increased healthcare expenses.

Water Scarcity: Altered precipitation patterns and increased evaporation can lead to water scarcity in
many regions, affecting agriculture, industry, and daily life.

Displacement and Migration: Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and resource scarcity can
force people to migrate from their homes, creating climate-induced displacement and potentially
contributing to social and political tensions.
 Common Greenhouse Gases, Their Sources and Mitigation
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Compared to other GHGs, CO2’s global warming potential is not that
high but its residence time in the atmosphere is hundreds to thousands of years. CO2 residence time
in the atmosphere is hundreds to thousands of years. Few of its sources include:

Fossil Fuel Combustion: Burning/combustion of fossil fuels (i.e., coal, oil, and natural gas) for
electricity generation, transportation, and industrial processes, emit CO2 to a larger extent. The
combustion of fossil fuels releases not only CO2 but also other greenhouse gases, such as methane
(CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). The continuous and extensive use of fossil fuels to generate energy for
industry and transportation has led to a substantial increase in atmospheric CO 2 concentrations since
the industrial revolution. This increase in CO2 levels is closely linked to global warming and associated
climate changes. As a result, currently, there is a global effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and
transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, such as renewable energy (e.g., solar,
wind, tidal, bio, and hydroelectric power) and energy efficiency measures (e.g., electric vehicles,
mass transit systems), to mitigate the impacts of fossil fuel-related emissions on the climate and the
environment. This transition can be achieved through government policies, incentives, and
investment in clean energy infrastructure. Promoting public transportation, walking, and cycling can
reduce emissions from personal vehicles and alleviate traffic congestion.

Crops residue burning: Also known as agricultural or crop residue burning, is indeed a major source
of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This practice involves the burning of leftover plant materials, such
as crop residues, straw, and other agricultural waste, after a harvest or other farming activities.
When these materials are burned, they release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (Nitrous
oxide) into the atmosphere. Encouraging practices that prevent open burning of agricultural residues
(by mixing it up in the soil as a natural fertilizer) and other biomass materials can help reduce
methane emissions.

Population Growth: Population growth is a factor that can contribute to increased carbon dioxide
(CO2) emissions. A larger population often leads to increased energy consumption, as more people
require electricity, heating, transportation, and other energy services. As populations grow, there is
often a need for more land for agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure. Population
growth can influence consumption patterns, including increased demand for food, goods and
services that have a carbon footprint. More people can lead to higher demand for transportation,
food production, and consumer goods. Population control, as a direct means of addressing climate
change, is a topic of ethical and practical complexity. While the relationship between population
growth and climate change is clear, some argue that slowing population growth can have a positive
impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lessening the environmental strain on the planet.

Deforestation: The cutting down of trees and forests, which releases stored carbon when the wood
is burned or decomposes. Reforestation and Afforestation initiatives, e.g., planting trees and
restoring forests can capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, helping to
mitigate climate change. Forests act as carbon sinks by sequestering carbon in trees and soil.

Land Use Changes: Land conversion for agriculture, urbanization, and other purposes can release
stored carbon in soil and vegetation.

Methane (CH4): Though methane is found quite less than CO2 in the atmosphere, reducing
methane emissions is crucial for mitigating climate change because methane is a potent
greenhouse gas. Duration in the Atmosphere: Around 10 to 20 years.
Natural Gas Production: Methane emissions occur during the extraction and transportation of
natural gas. Leaks in natural gas distribution systems (pipelines) can also result in methane emissions.
Implementing technologies and equipment designed to minimize methane emissions during the
extraction and transportation of fossil fuels. In the oil and natural gas sector, regular inspections and
timely repair of leaks in pipelines, wellheads, and other infrastructure can significantly reduce
methane emissions.

Livestock: Enteric fermentation in the digestive systems of ruminant animals (e.g., cows, buffalos,
sheep) produces methane. Implementing practices such as dietary changes (include additives like
fats, tannins, or oils can reduce enteric methane emissions), genetic selection (selective breeding
programs can focus on breeding animals with lower methane-producing gut microbes), and better
feeding management (this can include better diets, dietary supplements) can help reduce methane
emissions from enteric fermentation in livestock. Efficient manure management techniques,
including bio gas energy plants, can capture and use methane emissions from manure instead of
releasing them into the atmosphere.

Rice Cultivation: Methane is released from flooded rice paddies. Alternate Wetting and Drying
(AWD) is a technique that alternates the flooding and drying of rice paddies, reducing methane
emissions compared to continuous flooding. Some rice varieties emit less methane than others, so
selecting low-methane varieties can be an effective strategy.

Landfills: Decomposing organic waste in landfills generates methane emissions. Install systems to
collect and control methane emissions from landfills, and use the captured methane for energy
production, such as electricity or heat.

Nitrous Oxide (N2O): It is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential much
higher than carbon dioxide (CO2). It’s residence timein atmosphere is approximately 100-
115 years. It is released into the atmosphere from various sources, including:
Agricultural Activities: Use of synthetic fertilizers contributes to nitrous oxide emissions. One of the
primary human-related sources of N2O emissions is the application of nitrogen-based fertilizers to
agricultural fields. When these fertilizers break down in the soil, they release N 2O. Implement
precision agriculture techniques to apply fertilizers more efficiently, reducing excess nitrogen
application. Use nitrification inhibitors: These chemicals can slow down the conversion of ammonium
to nitrate, reducing N2O emissions during fertilization.

Combustion and residue burning: Nitrous oxide is produced during the combustion of fossil fuels
and solid waste. The burning of crop residues, such as wheat or rice straw, can release N2O into the
atmosphere.

Industrial Processes: Certain industrial activities, such as the production of nitric acid, release nitrous
oxide. In fact, N2O can be produced as a byproduct of nitric acid production, which is used in the
manufacture of fertilizers, explosives, and other chemicals.

Fluorinated Gases:
Industrial Applications: Fluorinated gases, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons
(PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), are synthetic and are used in various industrial applications
such as refrigeration, air conditioning, electronics manufacturing, and as insulating agents in
electrical equipment. They are potent greenhouse gases that can stay in the atmosphere for a long
time, contributing to climate change. Replace high-GWP F-gases with low-GWP alternatives in
various applications. For example, consider using hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) as a replacement for
HFCs in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Implement regular leak detection and repair
programs for equipment that uses F-gases to prevent unintended emissions.

Water Vapor (H2O): Water vapor is one of the most potent greenhouse gas in the atmosphere,
produced by evaporation from oceans and surface water. Its concentration is primarily controlled by
natural processes, such as evaporation and condensation.

It's important to note that while greenhouse gases are naturally occurring, human activities have
significantly increased the concentrations of these gases in the atmosphere, which is a major driver
of climate change. Efforts are being made globally to reduce emissions of these gases through
policies, regulations, and the development of cleaner technologies.

As of 2022, here's a rough breakdown of the major greenhouse gases and their approximate
percentage contributions to the total greenhouse effect:

1. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) - Approximately 76%

2. Methane (CH4) - Approximately 16%
3. Nitrous Oxide (N2O) - Approximately 6%
4. Ozone (O3) - Approximately 1%
5. Fluorinated gases- less than 1%
6. Water Vapor (H2O) - Variable and not typically expressed in percentage terms because it
varies greatly with weather conditions.

Regarding the top ten countries with the highest greenhouse gas emissions, the rankings can change
over time based on emissions data. As of my last update in 2022, here is a list of the top contributors:

1. China
2. United States
3. India
4. Russia
5. Japan
6. Brazil
7. Germany
8. Indonesia
9. Iran
10. South Korea

Please keep in mind that these rankings can change due to policy changes, economic factors, and
other influences. For the most up-to-date information on greenhouse gas emissions by country, you
should consult reports and data from organizations like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) or the Global Carbon Atlas.

The Conference of the Parties (COP)

COP is the main decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC). It includes representatives of all the countries that are signatories (or 'Parties') to
the UNFCCC, which meets every year. So far, 27 meetings have been held. COP27 took place from 7-
18 November 2022 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP
28) will be held from 30 November to 12 December 2023. It will take place in the United Arab
Emirates.
COP meetings primarily revolve around negotiations and debates. The aim is to review progress to
limit climate change.These meetings bring together representatives from countries around the world
who are parties to the UNFCCC to discuss and negotiate global efforts to combat climate change. The
main objectives of these COP meetings are:

Negotiation: One of the primary purposes of the COP meetings is to negotiate and make decisions
on international climate agreements, commitments, and targets. The most notable outcome of COP
meetings is the adoption of legally binding international agreements to address climate change.

Assessment and Reporting: Parties to the UNFCCC are required to report on their greenhouse gas
emissions, mitigation efforts, and adaptation measures. COP meetings provide a platform for
reviewing and assessing these reports.

Capacity Building: COP meetings discuss and promote capacity-building initiatives to assist
developing countries in their efforts to address climate change, including technology transfer and
financial support.

Adaptation: Adaptation to the impacts of climate change is a crucial component of the COP
meetings. Parties discuss strategies for helping vulnerable regions and communities adapt to the
changing climate.

Finance: Financial support for climate action in developing countries is a significant aspect of the
negotiations. Parties at the COP meetings work on mechanisms for funding climate-related projects
and initiatives.

Technology Transfer: Encouraging the transfer of climate-friendly technologies from developed to

developing countries is also a focus at COP meetings to facilitate climate mitigation and adaptation
efforts.