Greenhouse gases are those who lure warmth within the ambiance. SF6 and different fluorinated gases will be hundreds of occasions extra highly effective at warming the planet than carbon dioxide, and but, as a result of they have an inclination to flee in comparatively small quantities, we hardly speak about them. Taken alone, their results is perhaps minor in contrast with these of carbon dioxide, however collectively, these gases add considerably to the problem of addressing local weather change.
For extra on the specifics of sulfur hexafluoride, take a look at my story from earlier this week. And within the meantime, right here’s a fast cheat sheet on a very powerful greenhouse gases you have to learn about.
Carbon dioxide: The main actor
I couldn’t in good conscience put collectively a listing of greenhouse gases and never no less than point out the large one. Human actions launched 37.4 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the ambiance in 2023. It’s probably the most ample greenhouse fuel we emit, and probably the most important one driving local weather change.
It’s tough to nail down precisely how lengthy CO2 stays within the ambiance, because the fuel participates in a worldwide carbon cycle—some will instantly be soaked up by oceans, forests, or different ecosystems, whereas the remainder lingers within the ambiance for hundreds of years.
Carbon dioxide comes from practically each nook of our economic system—the most important supply is energy vegetation, adopted by transportation after which industrial actions.
Methane: The flash within the pan
Methane can be a robust contributor to local weather change, making up about 30% of the warming we’ve skilled so far, although carbon dioxide is roughly 200 occasions extra ample within the ambiance.
