Carbon dioxide and methane

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is primarily produced from the complete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, such as burning wood, coal, and gasoline in power plants and vehicles.

Methane (CH₄) is released from the decomposition of vegetation, such as in wetlands and rice paddies. It is also released as a waste gas from digestion in animals, especially livestock like cows.

Higher levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) lead to increased global warming, which in turn causes climate change. This can result in rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems.

Higher levels of methane (CH₄) lead to increased global warming, which leads to climate change. Methane is a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide over a shorter timeframe.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) absorb thermal energy (infrared radiation) emitted from the Earth's surface. They then re-emit some of this energy back towards the Earth, reducing thermal energy loss to space and warming the planet.

Strategies include planting trees (afforestation), reducing livestock farming to lower methane emissions, decreasing the use of fossil fuels, and increasing the use of hydrogen and renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) are greenhouse gases. Water vapour and nitrous oxide are also greenhouse gases.

CH₄ (methane). This indicates one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) are the reactants of photosynthesis. These are converted into glucose and oxygen.