Kliimagaas

Kliimagaas, often translated as greenhouse gas, refers to any gas in Earth's atmosphere that absorbs and emits infrared radiation. This process is the fundamental cause of the greenhouse effect, which warms the planet's surface. Without the natural greenhouse effect, Earth's average temperature would be much colder, rendering it uninhabitable for most life as we know it.

The primary greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere are water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and ozone (O3). While these gases occur naturally, human activities have significantly increased their atmospheric concentrations, particularly since the Industrial Revolution. The burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas releases large amounts of carbon dioxide. Deforestation also contributes by reducing the number of trees that absorb CO2. Agricultural practices, such as livestock farming and rice cultivation, are major sources of methane and nitrous oxide.

The enhanced greenhouse effect, caused by these increased concentrations of greenhouse gases, is leading to global warming and climate change. This warming can result in a variety of impacts, including rising sea levels, more frequent and intense heatwaves, changes in precipitation patterns, and disruptions to ecosystems. Understanding the role of kliimagaas is crucial for addressing the challenges of climate change.