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 concentrations refer to the amount of greenhouse gases present in Earth's atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun and contribute to global warming and climate change.
Carbon footprint measures the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or product. It helps quantify our contribution to greenhouse gas concentrations and encourages efforts to reduce emissions.
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature patterns and weather conditions across the globe. Greenhouse gas concentrations play a significant role in driving climate change by altering Earth's energy balance.
Mitigation involves actions taken to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on climate change. It includes strategies like transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing carbon capture technologies.