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How many greenhouse gases are there?

In: Global Warming, Air Pollution [Edit categories]

Answer:

There are many gases which contribute to the greenhouse effect. Some are have a more potent effect than others. The following are considered to be greenhouse gases, the number after the name indicates the equivalent greenhouse gas effect compared to carbon dioxide (the principle man made greenhouse gas:

Water vapour (H₂O) = ?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) = 1
Methane (CH₄) = 21
Nitrous oxide (N₂O) = 298
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF₆) = 22,200
Chlorinated fluorocarbons (CFC's) = 1000 to 9000

Notes:
1. Water vapor is an odd one in the list as it is naturally occurring. It may be responsible for more than 30% of the greenhouse effect
2. CFC's include many different compounds.

First answer by Woodwose. Last edit by Woodwose. Contributor trust: 787 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 5 [recommend question].

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