Ilmanpäästö

Ilmanpäästö, or greenhouse gas emissions, refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere by human activities. These gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. The primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions are the burning of fossil fuels for energy, industrial processes, agriculture, and land use changes. The most significant greenhouse gas is CO2, which is released through activities such as the combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas for electricity, heat, and transportation. Methane is emitted during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as from livestock and other agricultural practices. Nitrous oxide is released from agricultural activities, particularly the use of commercial and organic fertilizers, as well as from industrial activities. Fluorinated gases are emitted from various industrial processes and are highly potent greenhouse gases. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has established that the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations is the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial for mitigating climate change and its associated impacts, such as rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. This can be achieved through a combination of strategies, including the transition to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, promoting sustainable agriculture, and protecting and restoring natural ecosystems.