greenhouse gas

[ green-hous gas ]

noun

1. any of the gases whose absorption of solar radiation is responsible for the greenhouse effect, including carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, and the fluorocarbons.

greenhouse gas

noun

1. any gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect

greenhouse gas

1. Any of the atmospheric gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation produced by solar warming of the Earth's surface. They include carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), methane (CH 4 ), nitrous oxide (N 2 O), and water vapor. Although greenhouse gases occur naturally in the atmosphere, the elevated levels especially of carbon dioxide and methane that have been observed in recent decades are directly related, at least in part, to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and the deforestation of tropical forests.

Word History and Origins

Origin of greenhouse gas¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

While Trump consistently denies basic facts of climate science, such as that humanity’s greenhouse gas emissions are primarily responsible for global heating, Woods argued that he should instead create incentives for fossil fuel companies to transition to clean energy while still earning large profits.

From Salon

She said Shell accepted the existence of climate change; accepted that greenhouse gas emissions contributed to climate change; and accepted that urgent action was needed to tackle it.

From BBC

High greenhouse gas emissions from human activity cause global temperatures to rise, melting ice sheets and glaciers, which in turn increases the volume of water in the ocean — encroaching on shorelines around the world.

From Los Angeles Times

Hill-Maini thinks it could do that, in theory, by turning waste generated during the production of plant-based milks into inexpensive and highly nutritious dishes, helping rein in a key source of the greenhouse gas emissions generated by the world's food system.

From Salon

The switch towards greener energy has already halved the UK's annual greenhouse gas emissions since 1990 - but the CCC has previously said further reductions will be difficult without lifestyle changes.

From BBC