Study Notes: Greenhouse Gases

General Science July 28, 2025 4 min read

What Are Greenhouse Gases?

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are atmospheric gases that trap heat from the Sun, keeping Earth warm enough for life. The main greenhouse gases are:

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
Methane (CH₄)
Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)
Water Vapor (H₂O)
Ozone (O₃)
Fluorinated Gases (like hydrofluorocarbons, used in refrigerators)

These gases absorb infrared radiation and re-emit it, warming the planet’s surface and lower atmosphere.

History of Greenhouse Gas Science

Early Discoveries

1824: Joseph Fourier proposed that Earth’s atmosphere acts like a “glass cover,” trapping heat.
1856: Eunice Foote demonstrated that CO₂ absorbs heat, suggesting its role in atmospheric warming.
1896: Svante Arrhenius calculated how changes in CO₂ could alter Earth’s temperature, linking fossil fuel burning to climate change.

Key Experiments

John Tyndall (1859): Used laboratory experiments to show that gases like CO₂ and water vapor absorb infrared radiation.
Charles David Keeling (1958): Began measuring atmospheric CO₂ at Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii. The “Keeling Curve” shows a steady rise in CO₂ over decades.

Modern Applications

Climate Modeling

Scientists use computer models to predict how GHGs affect future climate. These models simulate temperature, rainfall, and sea level changes.

Renewable Energy

Reducing GHGs is a major goal. Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power produce less CO₂ than fossil fuels.

Agriculture

Methane from livestock and nitrous oxide from fertilizers are monitored and managed to reduce emissions.

Transportation

Electric vehicles, biofuels, and improved fuel efficiency help lower GHG emissions.

Industry

Factories use carbon capture and storage (CCS) to trap CO₂ before it reaches the atmosphere.

Global Impact

Effects on Earth

Global Warming: Average temperatures have risen about 1.1°C since the late 1800s.
Sea Level Rise: Melting ice and expanding seawater threaten coastal areas.
Extreme Weather: More frequent heatwaves, droughts, and storms.
Ocean Acidification: CO₂ dissolves in oceans, harming marine life.
Biodiversity Loss: Changing habitats endanger plants and animals.

Human Health

Increased air pollution from GHGs can cause respiratory problems.
Heatwaves and changing disease patterns affect public health.

Economic Impact

Damage to infrastructure from storms and flooding.
Costs to agriculture from droughts and changing growing seasons.

Debunking a Myth

Myth: “Greenhouse gases are only produced by human activity.”

Fact: Greenhouse gases occur naturally (e.g., volcanoes, wetlands, respiration). However, human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture have greatly increased their concentrations, causing rapid climate change.

Key Experiment: Measuring Methane with Satellites

2022 NASA Study: Scientists used satellites to detect methane “super-emitters” (large leaks from oil and gas facilities) worldwide. This technology helps identify and fix major sources of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.

Source: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, “NASA Identifies Global Methane ‘Super-Emitters’ From Space,” October 2022.

Future Trends

Advanced Monitoring

More satellites and sensors will provide real-time data on GHGs, helping scientists and governments respond quickly.

Carbon Removal Technologies

New methods like direct air capture, bioenergy with carbon capture, and enhanced weathering are being developed to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere.

International Cooperation

Global agreements (like the Paris Agreement) aim to limit warming to below 2°C. Countries are setting targets to reduce emissions.

Sustainable Lifestyles

People are adopting eco-friendly habits: recycling, reducing meat consumption, and using energy-efficient products.

Youth Involvement

Young people are leading climate action, raising awareness, and demanding change from leaders.

Unique Fact: Bioluminescent Organisms and Greenhouse Gases

Bioluminescent organisms, such as certain plankton, light up the ocean at night, creating glowing waves. These organisms play a role in the ocean’s carbon cycle. When they die, their bodies sink, carrying carbon to the deep ocean—a natural way Earth stores carbon and helps regulate greenhouse gases.

Summary

Greenhouse gases are vital for keeping Earth warm, but human activities have increased their levels, leading to global warming and climate change. Scientific experiments and modern technology help us understand and monitor GHGs. Their impact is worldwide, affecting weather, oceans, health, and economies. Myths about GHGs are common, but facts show both natural and human sources. Future trends include better monitoring, new carbon removal methods, and global cooperation. Bioluminescent organisms even help regulate carbon in the ocean. Understanding greenhouse gases is key to protecting our planet’s future.

Citation

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. (2022). “NASA Identifies Global Methane ‘Super-Emitters’ From Space.” Link