The next most prominent gas is methane. Methane comes from landfills, coal mines, oil and gas operations, and agriculture. It is produced in the production and transport of fossil fuels. It represents 9% of total greenhouse gas emissions. (EIA) Since 1750, the concentration of methane has doubled. (UMICH)
Nitrous oxide is the next most prominent, it has a sweet odor and is used as an anesthetic. Nitrous oxide is emitted from burning fossil fuels and through the use of fertilizers and industrial processes. (EIA) It represents 5% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
Human made gases, like those used in aerosols, are released as byproducts of industrial processes and through leakage. These gases are called flourocarbons. They represent 2% of total greenhouse gas emissions. They break down molecules in the Earth's atmosphere. (UMICH)
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I have heard that cows produce methane and that cattle farms contribute to global warming. Is that true and if it is the amount of methane released significant?
In relation to CO2, does methane even compare to the amount of damage done by Carbon Dioxide to the environment?
Seeing as methane can also be used for an alternative energy, does the negative greenhouse effect change when it is captured and utilized for this purpose? Also, are there ways that these greenhouse gasses can be reduced naturally like CO2?
Other than the effects of these gases on the atmosphere, can they harmfully affect the landscape? I know you said they break down molecules, can they hurt architecture?
Very informative. I know I read an amusing article about methane gas and cows at some point. It would also be (seriously) interesting to look at how greenhouse gas concentrations compare around the globe.
Because there is a smaller percent of methane it does not cause as much damage, but it has the same effect when it is trapping radiation and emitting heat.
Farming and agriculture definitely contribute a lot to the production of methane, but because methane only makes up 9% of the greenhouse gases, it is not extremely significant. According to an article I read, 32 farms in the U.S. are using manure digesters that produce electricity. There are not natural ways to reduce these gases, but methane can be put into a chemical reaction. The reaction makes the molecule have a shorter lifetime. Methane can stay in the atmosphere for 15 years, but with the reaction, it can last only 8 years. In terms of these gases affecting architecture, I could not find any examples, but I would not rule it out. In the future there may be evidence of these gases hurting architecture, but not yet.
To add to Jill's comment, I have also heard of linkage between methane gas and cattle. I remember reading that if we were to signifigantly cut down on meat production, it would cut down methane levels dramatically.
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