ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the greenhouse gases-the chief contributor and reason for the rise in temperature and trigger for negative global impacts the earth is now experiencing and will experience for thousands of years to come. It begins by presenting the basics of solar radiation and the processes the Sun's energy takes to get to the earth. The chapter illustrates the components and seriousness of the various greenhouse gases, their production, life cycles, and various contributions to climate change. The emission of greenhouse gases is the most significant factor in climate change and area where attention is most needed. The trace gases serve to trap the heat energy from the Sun close to earth. Most greenhouse gases occur naturally and are cycled through the global biogeochemical system. Using coal-fired plants to generate electricity produces more greenhouse gases for each resulting watt than using oil or natural gas, but coal—often referred to as a "dirty fuel"—is attractive because it is relatively inexpensive.
