Päästökaasuja

Päästökaasuja, or greenhouse gases, are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat. This natural phenomenon is essential for maintaining the planet's temperature, but human activities have significantly increased their concentration, leading to global warming. The primary greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. CO2 is the most abundant, primarily resulting from burning fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and industrial processes. Methane is emitted during the production and transport of coal, oil, and 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 synthetic, powerful greenhouse gases that are emitted from a variety of industrial processes. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has established that the warming effect of these gases has been predominantly human-induced since the pre-industrial era. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial for mitigating climate change and its associated impacts. This can be achieved through various strategies, including transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable agricultural practices. International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, aim to limit global temperature rise by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting climate resilience. Understanding the sources and impacts of päästökaasuja is vital for developing effective policies and actions to address climate change.