Top Global Per Capita CO₂ Emissions by Country
Carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) is a colorless, odorless gas that is composed of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. It is one of the most important greenhouse gases, and it plays a significant role in the Earth's climate system.
CO2 is produced naturally through the respiration of living organisms and the decay of organic matter, as well as through volcanic activity and other geologic processes. However, human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) and deforestation have significantly increased the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere.
The increase in atmospheric CO₂ levels has led to concerns about climate change and its potential impacts on the environment and human societies. As a greenhouse gas, CO₂ absorbs and re-emits heat, which contributes to the warming of the Earth's surface and the atmosphere.
Efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change include the development of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency improvements, and carbon capture and storage technologies. Carbon offset programs, where individuals or organizations can purchase offsets to compensate for their carbon emissions, are also becoming increasingly popular.
