Gallery of Greenhouse Gas Molecules

Carbon dioxide, the most significant greenhouse gas being produced by human activities.

Methane, the second most significant greenhouse gas being produced by human activities.

Nitrous oxide, the third most significant greenhouse gas being produced by human activities. Collectively carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide account for ~99% of current man-made greenhouse emissions.

Water, the most significant naturally occurring greenhouse gas.

Ozone. The naturally occuring ozone layer provides an essential buffer against ultraviolet radiation, however low level ozone formed as a consequence of air pollution acts as a greenhouse gas.

Sulfur hexafluoride, the most potent known greenhouse gas per molecule with a global warming potential at 100 years of 22,000 times that of carbon dioxide. Its concentration in the atmosphere is very low, and it does not contribute significantly to global warming.

Dichlorodifluoromethane (aka CFC-12), a chlorofluorocarbon and greenhouse gas. Though international agreements have severely restricted its use, accumulated concentrations still in the atmosphere make its impact on global warming comparably to nitrous oxide.

Trichlorofluoromethane (aka CFC-11), a chlorofluorocarbon and greenhouse gas. Though international agreements have severely restricted its use, accumulated concentrations still in the atmosphere make its impact on global warming roughly half that of nitrous oxide.