Carbon emissions are the release of certain greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), into the atmosphere. These emissions result from burning carbon-based materials such as fossil fuels for a variety of purposes, including industrial processes and transportation. Carbon emissions trap heat, contributing to global warming. Gases like methane (CH4) are included in the term carbon emissions (and can convert to carbon dioxide and water when burned), but other non-carbon-based greenhouse gases, such as nitrous oxide, are not. Science and policy often focus on carbon emissions in particular, because carbon dioxide is the biggest contributor to global warming. Carbon emissions not only contribute to climate change, which further amplifies health risks through extreme weather events, heat-related illnesses, and the spread of infectious diseases, but also contribute to air pollution, which can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, increase the risk of certain cancers, and exacerbate existing health conditions.
