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
Natural gas combustion refers to the process of burning natural gas as a fuel source, releasing energy and producing carbon dioxide (CO2) and other emissions.
The greenhouse effect occurs when gases like CO2 trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. Natural gas combustion contributes to this effect by releasing CO2.
Methane is the primary component of natural gas. It is also a potent greenhouse gas that has a higher warming potential than CO2 over shorter time frames.
Energy Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency helps reduce our reliance on natural gas combustion by using less energy overall or finding alternative renewable sources.