Greenhouse Gases

• The exception to Earth’s temperature being in balance is caused by greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases warm the atmosphere by trapping heat.
• Greenhouse gases are naturally occurring, but human activities have increased their concentration in the atmosphere
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the most important greenhouse gases
• The warming of the atmosphere because of insulation by greenhouse gases is called the greenhouse effect.
• Methane comes from the decomposition of plant material under some conditions, biochemical reactions in the stomachs of ruminants, and the decomposition of dead animals.
• Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas that is produced by the decomposition of organic matter.
• Ozone is a gas that is formed when chlorine and bromine react with oxygen.
• Chlorofluorocarbons are made by humans. They are used in refrigerators and air conditioners.