Guide to Environmental theme of Climate change (greenhouse effect)

Humans affect the climate through the emission of substances such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O). These substances retain heat radiated by the earth, leading to the 'greenhouse effect'. The result is that the earth warms up. The main human sources of greenhouse gases are the energy supply, industry, traffic and transport, agriculture and horticulture, and consumers.

Index Environmental pressure from Climate change - Greenhouse effect

• Environmental pressure, theme of Climate change: introduction
• Climate change: policy
• Greenhouse gas emissions in the Netherlands, 1990-2002
• Global carbon dioxide emissions, 1970-2001
• CO2 emissions in relation to gross domestic product and population, 1990-1999
• Global greenhouse gas emissions, 1970-2001
• Carbon dioxide emissions in the Netherlands by target sector, 1990-2002
• Greenhouse gas emissions by target sector in the Netherlands, 2002*
• Dutch CO2 emissions explained, 1990-2002*

Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium

• Emissions to air, 1990-2002*
• Emissions to air by target sector, 2002*
• See the index 'Emissions and waste by target sector' for more information about the emissions of greenhouse gases by target sector.
• See the 'Global air quality' index for a reference to the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and for data about the greenhouse effect and the consequences for the climate.
• Overview 'environmental themes and impact on nature', with a reference to four indicators about the relationship between the greenhouse effect and nature.