Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases in the Earth’s atmosphere that contribute to the greenhouse effect and, consequently, to global warming. These gases absorb and emit infrared radiation, trapping heat within the Earth’s atmosphere and raising the temperature of the planet.

Key Matters and Considerations in ESG

Here are some key points about greenhouse gases:

– Common Greenhouse Gases: The most prevalent greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. These gases are released into the atmosphere through natural processes as well as human activities.

– Sources of Greenhouse Gases: Greenhouse gases come from various sources, both natural and human-related. Natural sources include volcanic eruptions, decomposition processes, and natural vegetation. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels for energy, deforestation, industrial processes, and agricultural practices, significantly contribute to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

– Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Carbon dioxide is the most well-known greenhouse gas and the largest contributor to human-caused global warming. It is released through the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes. Deforestation also contributes to increased CO2 levels by reducing the Earth’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.

– Methane (CH4): Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide. It is emitted from natural sources like wetlands and termites, as well as human activities such as livestock farming, rice cultivation, and the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas. Methane emissions can also result from the decay of organic waste in landfills.

– Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Nitrous oxide is primarily emitted through agricultural and industrial activities, including the use of synthetic fertilizers, livestock farming, and the combustion of fossil fuels. It also occurs naturally through microbial processes in soils and oceans. Nitrous oxide has a higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide.

– Fluorinated Gases: Fluorinated gases are human-made gases used in various industrial applications, including refrigeration, air conditioning, and electronics manufacturing. These gases have extremely high global warming potentials and can persist in the atmosphere for a long time.

– Impacts of Greenhouse Gases: The increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere leads to global warming and climate change. This results in a range of impacts, including rising temperatures, melting ice caps and glaciers, sea-level rise, changes in weather patterns, increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and shifts in ecosystems and biodiversity.

– Mitigation and Reduction: Mitigating the impacts of greenhouse gases involves reducing emissions through various strategies, including transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, promoting afforestation and reforestation, and implementing policies to limit greenhouse gas emissions. International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, aim to facilitate global cooperation in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy are essential steps in mitigating climate change and its impacts. By taking action to limit greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable practices, and develop cleaner technologies, we can work towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.