What do we mean by greenhouse gases and why is it important to know about them? - teacher's notes

Greenhouse gases are a group of compounds that are able to trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to what is known as the 'greenhouse effect'. This effect is crucial for maintaining temperatures that sustain life on our planet. However, it is important for pupils to understand that human activities have significantly increased the concentrations of these gases, contributing to climate change. Knowledge about greenhouse gases is essential because it helps us recognise the impact our actions have on the environment and the urgent need to reduce emissions to mitigate global warming.

The main greenhouse gases include water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Each of these gases has a unique ability to trap heat, and their increased levels are leading to a build-up in the atmosphere, intensifying the natural greenhouse effect and causing the Earth's average temperature to rise. Understanding the causes and effects of greenhouse gas emissions empowers pupils to identify human activities that contribute to this issue and underscores the importance of taking immediate action to reduce our carbon footprint and prevent the potentially catastrophic impacts of climate change.