Greenhouse Gases (GHG)
Greenhouse gases are important because of their contributions to climate change. Common GHGs include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to rising global temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and impacts on ecosystems and human health. Colorado has set ambitious targets to reduce GHG emissions as part of its commitment to addressing climate change.
GHG 101
The main greenhouse gases:
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) - fossil fuel combustion, the largest contributor by volume
- Methane (CH4) - oil & gas, agriculture, landfills; 80x more potent than CO2 over 20 years
- Nitrous Oxide (N2O) - agriculture, industrial processes
- Fluorinated Gases - industrial processes, refrigerants
Sources of GHGs
Colorado's GHG emissions come from:
- Transportation (28% of state emissions)
- Electric power generation (25%)
- Oil and gas production (17%)
- Residential and commercial buildings (12%)
- Industrial processes (10%)
- Agriculture (8%)
The Denver-Julesburg Basin is a major methane emission source area.
How Do GHGs Impact You?
Climate change impacts in Colorado:
- Increased wildfire frequency and severity
- Reduced snowpack and water supply
- More extreme heat events
- Worsening air quality (more ozone days)
- Impacts on agriculture and forestry
- Threats to ski and tourism industries
How Is Colorado Addressing GHGs?
Reduction Targets:
- 26% reduction by 2025 (vs 2005)
- 50% reduction by 2030
- 90% reduction by 2050
Key Programs:
- GHG Intensity Verification Rule for oil & gas
- COBE aerial methane surveys
- AiRMAPS 5-year monitoring partnership with NOAA
- Satellite monitoring (GHGSat, MethaneSAT)