♻️ap environmental science review

Greenhouse Gases

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Greenhouse gases are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming. They include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases.