Carbon dioxide is the single most important longlived greenhouse gas in the atmosphere related to human activities, contributing about two thirds of the radiative forcingGreenhouse gases are atmospheric gases that intercept longwave (mainly infrared) radiation emitted from the Earth's surface By intercepting infrared radiation and reradiating it in all directions including back to Earth, while capturing little or no incoming solar radiation, greenhouse gases contribute to the warming of the Earth's surface This is known as the Greenhouse Effect,When greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere, many remain there for long time periods ranging from a decade to many millennia Over time, these gases are removed from the atmosphere by chemical reactions or by emissions sinks, such as the oceans and vegetation, which absorb greenhouse gases from the atmosphere As a result of human
Overview Of Greenhouse Gases Us Epa
