Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is a natural process that helps regulate the planet’s temperature, making it habitable for life. Without this effect, the Earth would be too cold to support life as we know it. However, human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, industrial processes, and agriculture, have significantly increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming.

The major greenhouse gases include: 

• Carbon dioxide (CO2)
• Methane (CH4)
• Nitrous oxide (N2O)
• Fluorinated gases (such as hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride)

These gases contribute to the warming of the Earth’s surface, leading to climate change, rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems and biodiversity.