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

Typically, drillers burn the gas they don’t capture, converting the methane to carbon dioxide, a less potent greenhouse gas, in a process called flaring.

From Salon

It is seen by the likes of the International Energy Agency and the Climate Change Committee as a key element in meeting targets to cut the greenhouse gases driving dangerous climate change.

From BBC

The "cash for questions" allegations arose around Freeman's role as an adviser for GHGSat, which owns and operates greenhouse gas monitoring satellites.

From BBC

Yet, this is a bitter pill to swallow for many, given Pakistan contributes less than 1% of the global greenhouse gas emissions.

From BBC

Without the federal rebates and subsidies to support widespread adoption electric vehicles, the state will almost surely fall short of its greenhouse gas reduction targets and remain in violation of federal air quality standards.

From Los Angeles Times