Global Warming

Smoke Stacks

You may have heard of greenhouse gases in the news or in previous courses. The atmosphere of Earth is made up primarily of nitrogen, oxygen, and argon. All of the gases that are considered greenhouse gases are trace gases. Trace gases make up less than 1% of the Earth's atmosphere. While these gases make up a small percentage, they are very important. The greenhouse gases trap heat and keep Earth habitable. Do you know what gases are considered greenhouse gases? Greenhouse gases include the following:

  • Water vapor
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Methane
  • Nitrous oxide
  • Ozone
  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)