greenhouse gas

American  

[green-hous gas] / ˈgrinˌhaʊs ˌgæs /

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.

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greenhouse gas British  

noun

1. any gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect

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greenhouse gas Scientific  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of greenhouse gas

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

The chair of the committee, Nigel Topping, said the Scottish government had the powers to achieve most of the cuts required to greenhouse gas emissions "but only if they take action now".

From BBC

They also highlight the urgency of protecting Congo Basin wetlands and limiting greenhouse gas emissions.

From Science Daily

Scientists have closely examined how drainage and shifting water levels affect greenhouse gas emissions in many of these regions.

From Science Daily

Canberra has pledged to slash planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70 percent from 2005 levels over the next decade.

From Barron's

In the Western world all forms of pollution, other than greenhouse gases, are in decline.

From The Wall Street Journal