According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the major greenhouse (GH) gases are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. These gases are credited with heating the atmosphere and depleting the ozone layer. A 40 percent increase of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere since the beginning of the industrial revolution is attributed to the burning of wood, coal, oil, and natural gas.
Methane is the second most prevalent GH gas and comes from industry, agriculture and waste management. It’s emitted from animal stomach gases, landfills, manure, vehicle emissions, and the production and use of synthetic fertilizers.