greenhouse gas

noun

: any of various gaseous compounds (such as carbon dioxide or methane) that absorb infrared radiation, trap heat in the atmosphere, and contribute to the greenhouse effect

Water vapor is an important gas for the study of climate and weather because of its role as a natural greenhouse gas as well as its relationship to clouds and precipitation.

—Mohi Kumar

Scientists now recognize tropospheric ozone—a component of smog—as a greenhouse gas as well as an eye and lung irritant.

—Science News

While it may not be possible to eliminate all greenhouse gas emissions, it is possible to offset some of the emissions that do still occur. Offsetting involves supporting projects that reduce or sequester greenhouse gas emissions in another location.

—Tyson Miller

Livestock emit 14.5 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions each year. Most of that is from cows.

—Marley Walker

Examples of greenhouse gas in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But this time, eight more years of greenhouse gas emissions warming the planet means the otherwise natural boost in global warmth is pushing the planet even further into uncharted territory, McPhaden said. —Scott Dance, Washington Post, 22 June 2024

Other steps include creating positions within the transportation department to coordinate climate change mitigation and adaptation, changing the budgeting process to analyze and disclose transportation projects’ greenhouse gas impacts, and establishing a youth council to advise the department. —Stephanie Hanes, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 June 2024

But the environmental groups that sued Caltrans argued that the environmental review didn’t reflect the amount of traffic, pollution and greenhouse gas the new lanes will bring. —Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2024

His latest role outside the legislature comes about two years after the General Assembly passed the Climate Solutions Now Act, setting a target for the state to reduce its output of greenhouse gas emissions 60% by 2031. —Lorraine Mirabella, Baltimore Sun, 19 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

greenhouse gas

noun

: any of various gases (as carbon dioxide or methane) that absorb infrared radiation, trap heat in the atmosphere, and contribute to the greenhouse effect