The Problem: Four Major Greenhouse Gases
The atmosphere has always contained carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. These gases--together with water vapor--create the natural greenhouse effect. They trap some of the sun's energy and keep the Earth warm enough to sustain life.
By increasing some of these heat-trapping gases--and adding new ones--we intensify the natural greenhouse effect and further warm the atmosphere.
This chart shows how much warming could be caused by each of the gases that human activities release. Carbon dioxide accounts for three fourths of the predicted increase in the greenhouse effect.
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