What are Greenhouse Gas Emissions?

Greenhouse gas emissions from human activity intensify the greenhouse effect. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas are the main sources of global climate change, representing more than 75 % of global greenhouse gas emissions and almost 90 % of all carbon dioxide emissions. These emissions cover the Earth and trap the sun's heat, leading to global warming and climate change. The world is currently warming faster than ever before. Higher temperatures are gradually changing the nature of the weather and disrupting the natural balance, which poses many risks for humans and other life forms on Earth.

The European Union (EU) announced that between 1990 and 2020 it managed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide, a decrease of 32 %. The largest absolute decrease in emissions was recorded in the fuel-burning energy sectors (by 657 million tons of CO2), in manufacturing and construction (by 322 million tons), and in the households, trade, institutions and other sectors (by 215 million tons). In 2020, compared to 1990, these industries reduced their emissions by 46 %, 44 % and 29 %. In 2019, Slovakia issued 37 million tons of CO2 equivalent, which is 0.07 % of global emissions.

Emissions by type of greenhouse gas:
– Carbon dioxide (CO2): The main source is the burning of fossil fuels, solid waste, trees and biomass, and some chemical reactions such as cement production. This gas is removed from the atmosphere by plant absorption.
– Methane (CH4): Comes from agricultural activities, waste management, energy use and biomass burning.
– Nitrous oxide (N2O): Produced mainly by agricultural activities (fertilizers) and the burning of fossil fuels.
– Fluorinated gases (F-gases): Produced in industrial processes, refrigeration and consumer products, including HFCs, PFCs and SF6.
– Hydrogen (H2): When it escapes, oxidation reactions in the atmosphere increase the concentration of greenhouse gases.

Black carbon, produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels and biomass, absorbs sunlight and, when deposited on snow and ice, contributes to warming. This gas remains in the atmosphere for only a few weeks. Emissions can be mitigated by upgrading coke ovens, installing particulate filters on diesel engines and limiting the open burning of biomass.

Distribution of emissions by sector:
Greenhouse gas emissions are associated with various sectors of the economy, with approximately two-thirds arising from the burning of fuels.

The largest producer is coal-fired power plants, which created more than 20 % of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2018. Agriculture contributes through emissions and the conversion of forests to agricultural land. The transport sector also produces a significant amount of fossil fuel emissions. In 2018, the construction industry accounted for 39 % of CO2 emissions from energy and processes.

To limit climate change, it is essential to stop the increase in greenhouse gases, which includes:
– reducing electricity consumption,
– production of electricity without emissions,
– reducing the food footprint,
– travel without the production of greenhouse gases,
– reducing emissions from industry.