Kaasupäästöt

Kaasupäästöt, or greenhouse gas emissions, refer to the total amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere by human activities. These gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change. The primary greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. Kaasupäästöt are typically measured in units such as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e), which account for the different warming potentials of various gases.

The main sources of kaasupäästöt are:

1. Fossil fuel combustion: Burning coal, oil, and natural gas for electricity, heat, and transportation releases large amounts of CO2.

2. Deforestation: Cutting down forests reduces the number of trees that can absorb CO2, leading to increased emissions.

3. Agriculture: Livestock farming produces methane, while the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers releases nitrous oxide.

4. Industrial processes: Certain industries emit greenhouse gases as byproducts of their operations.

Reducing kaasupäästöt is crucial for mitigating climate change. Strategies to achieve this include transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, promoting sustainable agriculture, and protecting and restoring forests. International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, aim to limit global temperature rise by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Monitoring and reporting kaasupäästöt are essential for tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement.