The most significant greenhouse gas affected by human activity is carbon dioxide (CO2). Other important greenhouse gases include:
* Methane (CH4)
* Nitrous oxide (N2O)
* Fluorinated gases
These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, similar to how the glass roof of a greenhouse traps heat inside. This leads to a gradual warming of the planet, known as global warming.
The primary source of increased CO2 is the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy. Other human activities, like deforestation and agriculture, also contribute to the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations.
