Definition: Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat from the Sun, leading to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Common GHGs include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O).
Definition: Any hydrocarbon deposit that can be burned for heat or power, such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas. Burning fossil fuels is a major source of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases.
Definition: Something that releases a greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. For example, the burning of fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and industrial activities is a major source of GHG emissions.
Definition: Something that removes a greenhouse gas from the atmosphere. Plants, through photosynthesis, absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂), transforming it into organic matter, which makes plants a sink for CO₂.
Definition: The assessment of global carbon sources (such as fossil fuel emissions) and sinks (such as forests), and the resulting change in atmospheric CO₂ concentration.
Definition: The maximum amount of net global human-caused CO₂ emissions that would result in limiting global warming to a given level, such as 1.5°C or 2°C above pre-industrial levels.