How does air pollution contribute to the greenhouse effect?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Dense smog and orange haze blanket the skyline of Mexico City at sunset, with buildings in the Polanco neighborhood partially obscured by air pollution. — air pollution Pollution darkening the skies over Mexico City.

Air pollution contributes to the greenhouse effect by increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), trap heat energy emitted from Earth's surface and reradiate it back, warming the planet. While CO2 is the most significant greenhouse gas due to the vast amounts released from burning fossil fuels, other pollutants like surface-level ozone, a product of air pollution, also contribute. These elevated greenhouse gas levels intensify the natural greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and subsequent climate change.1234567