Greenhouse gases are atmospheric gases that accelerate the greenhouse effect. The most significant greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄).

The amount of greenhouse gases in the atmopshere has increased as a result of human activity. Our everyday lives generate endless amounts of greenhouse gases. They are produced in traffic, energy production and food production.

Carbon dioxide is the most significant greenhouse gas produced by humans. Carbon dioxide emissions are created when humans use fossil fuels, such as crude oil, coal or natural gas. The largest producers of carbon dioxide emissions are heavy industry, traffic, energy production and slash-and-burn forest clearing for agriculture production. Carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere by green plants, which use it during photosynthesis. Therefore, cutting down forests reduces the planet's ability to regulate the carbon dioxide condition of its atmosphere.

Methane is the second most significant greenhouse gas produced by humans. Methane is produced when carbon-based materials (such as dead plant parts) rot in anaerobic conditions. The most prominent sources of methane emissions are landfills, livestock farming and sewage treatment. The amount of methane emitted from landfills will continue to increase drastically if the production of unrecycable waste is not slowed down.


Rice fields emit methane into the atmosphere.​​