Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
CO2, or carbon dioxide, is a greenhouse gas that is released into the atmosphere through human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. It contributes to global warming by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere.