Greenhouse Gases

What are the Greenhouse Gases?

These are gases which cause the "Greenhouse Effect". Carbon Dioxide, Ozone, Nitrous Oxide, CFC's, and Methane.
Many of the processes which create them are man-made, such as driving cars, flying, raising animals for food, and manufacturing goods.

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But why are they called "Greenhouse" gases?

They get their names from the way that a greenhouse works. A greenhouse lets sunlight through and therefore heats up the greenhouse.
The gases work in the same way with the planet, they trap the heat caused by the sun inside the earth's atmosphere which surrounds the earth.

What if there were none?

Each Greenhouse Gas affects the atmosphere in different ways. Some create a barrier to protect us, some allow more sunlight through, and in reality...WE NEED THEM.

If we didn’t have greenhouse gases, our planet would be too cold to live on.

So what is the problem?

Climate change alters the gases’ natural balance. Too much of them has the opposite effect of heating the planet up...and that is why they are a cause of global warming.

Global Warming
Global warming is the rise in temperature across the planet over a long period of time.

Quick Quiz
(Click to see answer)

Name any 3 of the Greenhouse Gases:

Water Vapour
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Methane
Ozone
Nitrous Oxide
CFC's

How do they warm up the planet

By trapping the sun's heat inside our atmosphere.

Do we need greenhouse gases?

Yes, they help keep the planet just the right temperature for us to live.

What Happens if we have too much of them?

That will cause the Earth to heat up!