scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

Which greenhouse gas contributes least to global warming? 

Answers from top 7 papers

More filters
Papers (7)Insight
1 However, a number of analyses suggest that the non-CO 2 greenhouse gases included in the Kyoto Protocol—methane, nitrous oxide, and the high-GWP (global warming potential) gases (HFCs, PFCs, and SF 6 )—can make a significant contribution to cost-effective emission reductions for the US and other countries.
Here, we present a new estimate of national contributions to observed climate warming, including CO2 emissions from fossil fuels and land-use change, as well as methane, nitrous oxide and sulfate aerosol emissions While some countries’ warming contributions are reasonably well defined by fossil fuel CO2 emissions, many countries have dominant contributions from land-use CO2 and non-CO2 greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing the importance of both deforestation and agriculture as components of a country’s contribution to climate warming.
Greenhouse warming by gaseous CO2 and H2O by itself is in conflict with constraints on atmospheric CO2 levels derived from paleosols for early Earth.
Open accessJournal ArticleDOI
Donald J. Wuebbles, Katharine Hayhoe 
763 Citations
On a per molecule basis, it is much more effective a greenhouse gas than additional CO2.
Open accessJournal ArticleDOI
Bo Nordell, Bruno Gervet 
21 Citations
Such emissions from, e. g., the global use of fossil fuels and nuclear power, must contribute to global warming.
One of several reasons that lead to global warming appears to be due to the large contribution of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
This study shows that global warming is the result of many factors including greenhouse gasses which can be reduced if people behave in a responsible way.

See what other people are reading

How much carbon emitted by endrgy sharein Bangladesh?
5 answers
Energy consumption in Bangladesh has led to a significant amount of carbon emissions. Estimates show that the total CO2 emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels in Bangladesh have been increasing over the years. In the period from 1977 to 1995, the estimated total CO2 emissions from all primary fossil fuels used in Bangladesh amounted to 5072 Gigagram (Gg) in 1977 and increased to 14,423 Gg in 1995. Furthermore, projections suggest that by 2070, the total estimated CO2 emissions will reach 293,260 Gg with a current growth rate of 6.34% per year. The country's energy sector's rapid development and the shift towards a predominantly coal-based energy mix have implications for greenhouse gas emissions, potentially undermining global efforts to limit temperature rise.
Are humans causing climate change?
5 answers
Yes, humans are causing climate change. Scientific evidence from multiple studies confirms that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and changes in land use, are significantly contributing to global warming and altering ecosystems. The thermodynamic approach quantifies that human-produced energy disrupts the Earth's thermal balance, leading to climate change, with about half of global warming attributed to human activities. Additionally, research shows that informing the public about human-induced global warming increases understanding, concern, and support for climate policies across political parties. Scientific literacy plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions of human-induced climate change and promoting cooperation towards addressing this pressing issue. Continuous greenhouse gas emissions are projected to further warm the planet and impact various aspects of the climate system, emphasizing the need for urgent action to mitigate human-induced climate change.
What is atmosphere?
5 answers
The atmosphere is a crucial component surrounding the planet, consisting of gases like dust, water vapor, and moisture. It plays a vital role in various fields such as astrophysics and agriculture, acting as a medium for Cherenkov light propagation and influencing crop production through factors like solar radiation and wind. The atmosphere is a dynamic system influenced by forces like radiation, convection, gravity, and rotation, leading to fluctuations in temperature and pressure that manifest as short-term weather conditions. Understanding the atmosphere's properties, such as pressure, temperature, and density variations with altitude, is essential for aircraft and rocket performance, leading to the development of models like the standard atmosphere for study and simulation.
How does air pollution impact climate?
5 answers
Air pollution significantly impacts climate through various mechanisms, affecting both the atmosphere and the Earth's surface. The release of air pollutants, including greenhouse gases such as CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide, contributes to the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and climate change by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere. These pollutants, along with aerosols, influence the climate directly by absorbing and scattering sunlight and indirectly by altering cloud properties and radiation transfer processes, which in turn affect biogeochemical cycles, hydrological processes, and land surface processes. The urban clusters significantly impact both climate change and air pollution levels, with human activities such as fossil fuel combustion, industrial emissions, and deforestation being major contributors. The presence of particulate matter and other pollutants in the atmosphere can lead to poor air quality, which is linked to a range of health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, air pollution's role in climate change extends to affecting the terrestrial hydrological cycle and ecosystem functions, with potential reductions in water availability and ecosystem productivity. Efforts to mitigate air pollution, such as implementing air pollution measures, may paradoxically make achieving global climate goals, like the Paris Agreement's 2°C target, more challenging due to the reduction of aerosols that currently help to offset some of the warming effects of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, addressing air pollution and climate change requires integrated approaches that consider the complex interactions between pollutants, climate systems, and human and ecological health. This includes adopting technologies to limit emissions of VOCs and nitrogen oxides, and exploring carbon capture and utilization technologies to manage CO2 emissions.
How the beef production stimulate growth in the secondary industry?
5 answers
Beef production plays a significant role in stimulating growth in the secondary industry through various channels. In the United States, beef cow-calf production is economically important, with a large number of small farms contributing to the industry. In Zambia, beef marketing channels are analyzed, showing efficiency and regional market interactions, which can enhance trade and markets. Moreover, strategies to develop the beef cattle industry under smallholders' conditions include creating profitable markets and facilitating technology adoption, which can boost the secondary industry. Despite concerns about the environmental impact of beef production, efforts are being made to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, with a focus on sustainability and climate commitments that can drive innovation and growth in the industry. By enhancing efficiency, market interactions, and sustainability, beef production can indeed stimulate growth in the secondary industry.
Hemp and sustainability ?
5 answers
Hemp holds significant potential for sustainability due to its diverse applications and positive environmental impact. Research emphasizes hemp's role in addressing climate change through its renewable energy source capabilities. The use of hemp in construction materials is gaining traction for its ability to sequester carbon dioxide, fast growth, and overall sustainability across its life cycle. Furthermore, studies highlight hemp's economic viability and positive societal impact, positioning it as a key player in the bioeconomy while respecting sustainability principles. Overall, hemp's versatility, from fiber to food and oil, aligns with the three pillars of sustainability - economy, environment, and society, making it a promising solution for sustainable development and achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
What is the nuclear energy?
5 answers
Nuclear energy is a significant form of energy harnessed from the nuclei of atoms, providing clean, reliable, and cost-effective power while mitigating climate change impacts. It plays a crucial role in the global energy landscape, with over 400 reactors in 32 countries generating about 10-15% of the world's electricity. The history of nuclear energy dates back to the discovery of radioactivity and X-rays, leading to the realization of the immense energy potential within atoms. Nuclear fission energy, a key component of many countries' energy matrices, has advantages but also raises concerns about accidents, emphasizing the importance of understanding nuclear reactions and plant operations. Additionally, advancements in fusion technology, like the ITER project, hold promise for long-term energy security through clean and abundant fusion reactions.
How do plastics pollute the environment?
5 answers
Plastics pollute the environment through various means, such as the release of microplastics into terrestrial ecosystems, the harmful effects of plastic pollutants on human health and ecosystems, the significant contribution of plastic waste to marine pollution and climate change, and the detrimental impact of plastic litter on marine life and the global carbon cycle. Improper disposal and unsustainable use of plastics lead to the contamination of air, water, soil, and living organisms, causing disruptions in marine activities, harm to living resources, and degradation of seawater quality. Plastic pollution not only poses health risks to humans and wildlife but also results in economic losses due to damage to the maritime industry. Addressing this issue requires reducing plastic production, increasing recycling efforts, and transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives to mitigate the adverse effects of plastic pollution on the environment.
What is overheat climate?
5 answers
Overheat climate refers to the phenomenon of urban overheating, exacerbated by global climate change and urban development, impacting urban livability and sustainability. This urban overheating is part of a broader issue of global warming, driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere, primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. The consequences of this warming trend include rising global mean temperatures, more frequent and destructive natural disasters, sea level rise threatening coastal cities, and climate-driven migration becoming a global problem. Addressing the overheat climate crisis requires systemic approaches, such as international cooperation for coordinated policies to ensure a socially-just economic contraction and significant population reductions to achieve a sustainable human population within the Earth's biophysical means.
How does global warming affect human health and well-being, both directly and indirectly?
4 answers
Global warming, driven by climate change, significantly impacts human health and well-being directly and indirectly. Rising temperatures and deteriorating air quality exacerbate cardiovascular diseases and increase heat-related illnesses and deaths. Extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and wildfires lead to injuries, loss of life, and mental health issues. Vulnerable populations face heightened risks, including heatstroke, adverse pregnancy outcomes, respiratory illnesses, and infectious diseases. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change stresses the urgency of limiting global temperature increases to safeguard human health, emphasizing that even a 1.5°C rise poses significant dangers. Policy solutions must consider historical environmental injustices and racism to address the health impacts of climate change equitably. Adaptation and mitigation efforts are crucial to protect health from the worsening effects of climate change.
What are the effects of storey on overheating in high rise buildings?
5 answers
The storey level in high-rise buildings can significantly impact overheating risks. Research on high-rise residential buildings in London suggests that apartments at higher levels are more exposed to solar radiation, increasing the likelihood of overheating. Additionally, a study on a mid-floor flat in a high-rise tower block in London indicates that occupants may already face overheating issues, with limited effectiveness of natural ventilation strategies due to external temperatures and outdoor pollutants. Furthermore, vulnerable populations like the elderly, who are more prevalent in high-rise social housing, are at higher risk of suffering from overheating due to their reduced capacity to adapt to higher internal temperatures. Therefore, the storey level plays a crucial role in exacerbating overheating challenges in high-rise buildings, especially for vulnerable occupants.