Atmospheric CO2
Definition
Atmospheric CO2 refers to the concentration of carbon dioxide gas in Earth's atmosphere. It is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change.
Analogy
Imagine Earth's atmosphere as a giant blanket, and atmospheric CO2 as tiny holes in that blanket. The more holes there are, the less effective the blanket becomes at trapping heat, leading to an increase in temperature.
Related terms
Greenhouse Effect: The process by which certain gases, including CO2, trap heat in Earth's atmosphere like a greenhouse.
Carbon Cycle: The natural cycle through which carbon is exchanged between living organisms, the atmosphere, oceans, and rocks.
Fossil Fuels: Non-renewable energy sources formed from ancient organic matter (such as coal, oil, and natural gas) that release CO2 when burned.
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