Greenhouse gas

Quick Facts: Who was Greenhouse gas?

Subject:

Greenhouse gas

Known for:

Atmospheric gases that trap heat, causing the greenhouse effect on Earth.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are the gases in an atmosphere that trap heat, raising the surface temperature of astronomical bodies such as Earth. Unlike other gases, greenhouse gases absorb the radiations that a planet emits, resulting in the greenhouse effect. The Earth is warmed by sunlight, causing its surface to radiate heat, which is then mostly absorbed by greenhouse gases.

Career & Major Achievements

Without greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the average temperature of Earth's surface would be about −18 °C (0 °F), rather than the present average of 15 °C (59 °F). Human-induced warming has been increasing at an unprecedented rate since it has started being measured, reaching 0.27±0.1 °C per decade over 2015–2024.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

This high rate of warming is caused by a combination of greenhouse gas emissions being at an all-time high of 53.6±5.2 Gt CO2e per year over the last decade (2014–2023), as well as reductions in the strength of aerosol cooling. The five most abundant greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere, listed in decreasing order of average global mole fraction, are: water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2014: 2014 Milestone — 2 Gt CO2e per year over the last decade (2014–2023), as well as reductions in the strength of aerosol cooling.

Notable Quotes by Greenhouse gas

“Without greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the average temperature of Earth's surface would be about −18 °C (0 °F), rather than the present average of 15 °C (59 °F).”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Greenhouse gas

True or False: “True or false: The greenhouse effect is a purely human-made phenomenon, and natural processes like volcanic activity have no measurable impact on global temperatures.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): False. While human activity is increasing the effect, the greenhouse effect itself is a natural process vital for keeping Earth warm enough to support life. Natural sources like volcanoes also contribute GHGs.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam — Historical peer (Died in 2015) (2015): Visionary aerospace engineer, scientist, and former President of India.
• Abdullah of Saudi Arabia — Historical peer (Died in 2015) (2015): King of Saudi Arabia, known for his role in modernizing the kingdom's governance.
• Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud — Historical peer (Died in 2024) (2024): Somaliland politician, served as President from 2010 to 2017.
• Akira Toriyama — Historical peer (Died in 2024) (2024): Pioneering manga artist, creator of Dr. Slump and the global phenomenon, Dragon Ball.
• 2014 League of Legends World Championship — Historical peer (Born in 2014) (2014): The 4th League of Legends World Championship, held in Asia in 2014.
• Adolfo Suárez — Historical peer (Died in 2014) (2014): Key architect of Spain's transition to democracy, serving as Prime Minister 1976-1981.
• A. S. Byatt — Historical peer (Died in 2023) (2023): Acclaimed English novelist, poet, and critic known for complex literary works.
• Alan Arkin — Historical peer (Died in 2023) (2023): Esteemed American actor, filmmaker, and musician with a seven-decade career.

Frequently Asked Questions about Greenhouse gas