What is a greenhouse gas?

sfg-2026
ForumIAS LATEST
      1. Interview Guidance initiative by ForumIAS – UPSC CSE 2026 Click Here to know more →
      2. FRC 2027: SFG Residential program | accepting application for Tranche-2 Click Here to know more →
      3. CSAT Classes for Prelims 2027 by Rishi Bhargav sir starts 16 Nov. at 5 PM Click Here to know more →

A greenhouse gas is any gaseous compound in the atmosphere that is capable of absorbing infrared radiation, thereby trapping and holding heat in the atmosphere. By increasing the heat in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases are responsible for the greenhouse effect, which ultimately leads to global warming.

Many of these gases occur naturally, but human activity is increasing the concentrations of some of them in the atmosphere, in particular:

  • carbon dioxide (CO2)
  • methane
  • nitrous oxide
  • fluorinated gases

Print Friendly and PDF
Blog
Academy
Community