Treibgas

Treibgas, also known as a greenhouse gas, is a gas in the atmosphere that absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range. This process is the fundamental cause of the greenhouse effect. The primary Treibgas in Earth's atmosphere are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. Among these, carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most significant, accounting for about 80% of the enhanced greenhouse effect caused by human activities.

The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes are the primary human activities that have increased the concentration of Treibgas in the atmosphere. The global average concentration of CO2 has increased from 280 parts per million (ppm) in pre-industrial times to over 415 ppm in 2021. This increase is a major contributor to global warming, which is causing long-term changes to the Earth's climate system.

The Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty, was established to address the issue of Treibgas emissions. The protocol sets binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the protocol has been criticized for not going far enough to prevent significant climate change.

In recent years, there has been a growing global effort to reduce Treibgas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement encourages countries to enhance their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provides regular assessments of the science related to climate change, its impacts, future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation. The IPCC reports are a key source of information for policymakers and the public on the issue of Treibgas and climate change.