Below are what we call the 'Greenhouse gases'. They are the ones responsible for trapping the heat in the atmosphere. Recently, there has been an increase in these gases in the Earth's atmosphere, therefore causing Global Warming. However, the significant increase in the gases is actually caused by us and our daily activities. Some of these activities can be reduced if we try hard enough, and we can therefore have lower emission of these gases which will help slow down Global Warming.

Carbon Dioxide (or CO2) Carbon Dioxide was naturally in the air before humans were around. It traps heat in the atmosphere to keep it warm enough for life. The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was fairly constant until the Industrial Revolution. Since then, the amount has increased rapidly. We continue to emit this gas into the air with our cars, our manufacturing, our burning of rain forests, and our cutting down of trees which creates a shortage of plants to remove CO2 from the air .A large amount of C02 is released when we burn fossil fuels like coal and oil, for example, to generate electricity.

Methane (CH4) Methane is another greenhouse gas that was in the air naturally. It is used a lot in industries as starting material for many other chemicals. It comes from decomposing matter in swamps and decaying micro-organisms in waterlogged rice fields. When one's stomach digests food, methane is also produced. So whenever an animal burp, it releases methane! Mining of natural gas, leakage in pipes carrying natural gas and also improper waste disposal and burning of forests generate methane.

CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) Chlorofluorocarbons are artificial gas manufactured in factories. This gas is used mostly as propellant gas in aerosol sprays cans such as spray paint and hair spray, refrigeration, air conditioning, cleaning solvents, and packing materials. When old refrigerators and air conditioners are disposed of in waste dumps, they break up and release CFCs. Not only is it a greenhouse gas and keeps infrared light from leaving, but it also damages the ozone.

Nitrous oxide/Nitrogen monoxide (N2O) Nitrous Oxide is also not naturally present in the atmosphere. Nitrous oxide, also called nitrogen monoxide or nitrogen monoxide, is a colorless, odorless, nonflammable gas and may also attack the ozone layer. When fossil fuels and trees burn, the gas will be released. Nitrogen-based fertilisers can break down in the soil and release nitrous oxide into the air. It is also used in industry as a aerosol propellant.

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