G3 Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse Gas

Gases present in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, thereby contributing to the greenhouse effect by absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation.

Global warming potential

A measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time period compared to carbon dioxide, taking into account the gas's ability to absorb radiation and its lifetime in the atmosphere.

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

The phenomenon caused by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases due to human activities, leading to augmented warming of the Earth's surface beyond the natural greenhouse effect.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A naturally occurring greenhouse gas resulting primarily from the combustion of fossil fuels and biomass, significant for its prominent role in climate change due to its abundance and long atmospheric life.

Methane (CH4)

A highly efficient greenhouse gas with a much greater heat-trapping ability than CO2, produced from natural sources such as wetlands and human activities including agricultural practices and fossil fuel extraction.

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

A greenhouse gas with a strong warming potential, released during agricultural soil management, fuel combustion, and certain industrial processes, playing a significant role in ozone depletion and climate change.

Ozone (O3)

A gas that occurs naturally in the stratosphere and protects living organisms from harmful ultraviolet radiation, but is a significant greenhouse gas at ground level, contributing to warming in the troposphere.

Water Vapour (H2O)

The most common greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, which plays a critical role in the Earth’s climate system by regulating temperature and contributing to the water cycle.

Greenhouse Effect

A natural process that allows Earth to maintain a temperature suitable for life by trapping heat in the atmosphere; without it, the planet would be too cold to support human life.

Climate Change

A long-term and significant change in the average temperature and weather patterns of a region, often attributed to increased levels of greenhouse gases due to human activities, resulting in various environmental impacts.

Adaptation

The process of making adjustments in responding to actual or expected climate change effects, aimed at minimizing harm and leveraging beneficial opportunities.

Mitigation

Strategies and actions taken to reduce or eliminate the sources of greenhouse gases, aiming to lessen the severity of climate change and promote sustainable practices.

Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Farming practices designed to sustain agricultural productivity in the face of climate change impacts, incorporating techniques that enhance resilience to changing climate conditions.

Sustainable Forest Management

An approach to managing forest resources that balances environmental, economic, and social needs, ensuring that forests continue to provide benefits for both current and future generations.

Circular Economy

An economic framework that aims to minimize waste and make the most of resources by maintaining the value of products, materials, and resources in the economy for as long as possible.

Reforestation

The intentional planting of trees in an area where the forest has been depleted, aimed at restoring ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and contributing to carbon sequestration.