The earth’s atmosphere is formed by gases that trap heat – water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, nitrogen oxide, and traces of other gases- and are called green house gases (GHG). To retain part of the heat coming into the atmosphere is crucial to maintain life in the planet as we know it. (1) Water vapor is the main GHG but human activity does not affect its emission considerably. (2) Carbon Dioxide is released due to the combustion of fossil fuels, human breathing, and deforestation. (3) Methane gas is created by bacteria in the process of decomposing vegetable matter, we find them in cows and many other ruminant animals. In addition, is released in sanitary landfills, and when extracting oil, coal, and natural gas. (4) Nitrogen oxide is naturally released by the oceans and bacteria present in the soil. Additionally, is produced by nitrogen-based fertilizers, internal combustion engines, and in the process of treating human and animal waste in water treatment plants. (5) Fluorocarbons; found in aerosols, refrigerators, and air conditioning systems. Human activities have increased the emission of GHG into the atmosphere, especially during the last century. This increment of GHG has meant an intense accumulation of caloric energy and a critical green house effect. Thus, the planet temperatures have increased giving way to what we know as global warming.

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