What do greenhouse gases do to the environment?

The major greenhouse gases that the United States emitted as a result of human activity and their share of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2015:1 ... Learn more: Energy and the Environment—Greenhouse Gases Most recent ... Why do carbon dioxide emissions weigh more than the original fuel? read more

The ability of these gases to trap heat is what causes the greenhouse effect.1 Greenhouse gases are made of three or more atoms. This molecular structure makes it possible for these gases to trap heat in the atmosphere and then re-emit it towards the surface which further warms the Earth.7 This continuous cycle of trapping heat leads to an overall increase in global temperatures. read more

There are other greenhouse gases that are not counted in United States or international greenhouse gas inventories: Water vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas. Most scientists believe that water vapor produced directly by human activity contributes very little to the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere. read more

Greenhouse gases from human activities are the most significant driver of observed climate change since the mid-20 th century. 1 The indicators in this chapter characterize emissions of the major greenhouse gases resulting from human activities, the concentrations of these gases in the atmosphere, and how emissions and concentrations have changed over time. read more