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How do GHGs work? GHGs allow sunlight to enter the atmo- sphere freely. When sunlight reaches the Earth’s surface, some of it is reflected back towards space as infrared radiation. GHGs absorb this infrared radiation and trap its heat within the atmosphere. Each GHG mol- ecule is made up of three or more atoms that are loosely bonded together. These molecules are able to absorb the heat with- in them, which makes them vibrate. They eventually release this heat energy, which is further absorbed by another molecule. In this way, the heat is trapped and trans- ferred by GHGs.

Global Warming Potential (GWP)

GWP refers to a measure that estimates how much a gas contributes to global warming as compared to CO 2 . The ratio of heat trapped by one unit mass of the GHG to that of one unit mass of CO 2 determines the GWP of a GHG.

Climate Facts

● ● Just over two pounds (1 kg) of CO 2 fill a large family fridge. One ton of CO 2 would fill a large home. ● ● Without the greenhouse effect, the average temperature would be about -2°F (-18°C) rather than the current 57°F (14°C).

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The Danger of Greenhouse Gases

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