Understanding Greenhouse Gases – Your first step towards decarbonization

Your first step towards decarbonization

Understanding and mitigating greenhouse gases (GHGs) is pivotal in the journey towards decarbonization. GHGs, which encompass a variety of compounds capable of trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere, present a significant challenge in the global effort to curb climate change.

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are called greenhouse gases (GHGs). As part of an organization’s decarbonization journey, reducing the amount of GHG emissions they generate or purchase directly or indirectly can prepare businesses for a more sustainable future.

7 types of Gases - CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, SF6 and Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3)

There are primarily seven types of GHGs, each with distinct sources and contributions to the greenhouse effect:

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2): The predominant GHG, mainly produced through the combustion of fossil fuels for energy and transportation, industrial processes, and deforestation.
• Methane (CH4): Emitted during the extraction and transportation of fossil fuels, agricultural activities, and waste management in landfills.
• Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Originates from agricultural practices, the burning of fossil fuels, and certain industrial activities.
• Fluorinated Gases (HFCs, PFCs, SF6, NF3): Utilized in various industrial applications, these gases, while less common, have a significant impact due to their high global warming potential.

In 2021, GHG emissions in the United States was approximately CO2 (79.4%), CH4 (11.5%), N2O (6.2%) and fluorinated gases (2.7%). Source: https://di.unfccc.int

How are the greenhouse gases contributing to climate change

The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocols serve as a fundamental guideline for categorizing various gases that significantly contribute to the Earth's greenhouse effect. These gases, mainly emitted through anthropogenic activities, play a critical role in global warming and climate change. Here, we delve into specific examples of how these gases are produced and the consequent environmental harm they cause.

Each greenhouse gas (GHG) has a different ability to trap heat in the atmosphere, a property known as the Global Warming Potential (GWP). GWP is a relative measure used to compare the effect of emitting one ton of a gas to the effect of emitting one ton of carbon dioxide over a specific period, typically 100 years.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Production Examples:

• Energy Sector: The largest source of CO2 emissions globally is the combustion of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation. For instance, coal-fired power plants are notorious for their substantial CO2 output.
• Deforestation: The conversion of forest to agricultural land often involves burning, which directly releases large amounts of stored CO2 into the atmosphere.
• Industrial Processes: Cement production is a prime example, where the calcination process releases CO2 as a byproduct.

Environmental Harm: The excessive accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere creates an insulating layer that traps the Earth's heat, leading to a rise in global temperatures, commonly known as global warming. This results in melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and extreme weather patterns.

Methane (CH4)

Production Examples:

• Natural Gas Systems: Methane is the primary component of natural gas. During extraction and distribution, leaks from pipelines and drilling operations release CH4 into the atmosphere.
• Agriculture: Livestock, particularly ruminants like cattle, produce methane during digestion, and their manure can also emit CH4 when stored or managed in systems that promote anaerobic conditions.
• Landfills: Decomposition of organic waste under anaerobic conditions in landfills is a significant source of methane emissions.

Environmental Harm: Despite its shorter atmospheric life than CO2, methane is far more efficient at trapping radiation, making its impact on climate change profound. Its presence exacerbates the greenhouse effect, contributing to a faster rate of warming.

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

Production Examples:

• Agriculture: The use of synthetic fertilizers and manure on agricultural fields leads to N2O emissions, especially when nitrogen availability exceeds plant needs.
• Combustion Engines: Vehicles with catalytic converters can produce N2O as a byproduct of fuel combustion.
• Industrial Activities: The production of nitric acid, used in fertilizers, and the manufacturing of nylon and other synthetic materials, release N2O.

Environmental Harm: Nitrous oxide not only has a potent warming effect but also plays a significant role in ozone depletion. The degradation of the ozone layer leads to increased UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface, which can have harmful effects on skin health, plant growth, and marine ecosystems.

Fluorinated Gases

Production Examples:

• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are used as coolants in refrigerators and air conditioners. Leakage during servicing or at the end of the equipment's life cycle is common.
• Electronics Manufacturing: Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) are used in the semiconductor industry for cleaning the chambers in which the silicon chips are produced.
• Aluminum Production: The smelting process of aluminum involves the use of perfluorocarbons (PFCs) to remove impurities from the raw ore.

Environmental Harm: Fluorinated gases are particularly destructive because of their high Global Warming Potential (GWP). These gases can persist in the atmosphere for thousands of years, continually contributing to the greenhouse effect and accelerating climate change long after they are released.