Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Greenhouse gas emissions refer to the release of gases into the atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to global warming. These gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, are primarily produced by human activities like burning fossil fuels.
Related terms
Climate Change: Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature patterns and weather conditions caused by increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon Footprint: A carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, organization, or product.
Global Warming: Global warming is the gradual increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to greenhouse gas emissions.