Carbon emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, which occurs when carbon-containing substances, such as fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) or organic matter (wood, peat, etc.), are burned or undergo decomposition. Carbon emissions are a significant component of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the greenhouse effect, where gases in the Earth’s atmosphere trap heat from the sun and lead to global warming and climate change.

The burning of fossil fuels for energy production, transportation, industrial processes, and many other human activities is the largest source of carbon emissions. The consequences of increasing carbon emissions include rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, higher sea levels, extreme weather events, and changes in biodiversity and ecosystem health.

To learn more about carbon emissions, their sources, environmental impact, and measures for reduction, the following resources are invaluable:

1. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – The EPA offers comprehensive information on greenhouse gas emissions, including detailed data on carbon emissions, their sources, and policies for their reduction.

Website: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions

2. The International Energy Agency (IEA) – The IEA provides an extensive range of information on energy production and consumption and their relationship with carbon emissions, including statistics, reports, and recommendations for transitioning to a low-carbon energy system.

Website: https://www.iea.org/topics/co2-emissions

By visiting these websites, one can access a wealth of knowledge on carbon emissions, understand their implications for our planet, and explore current strategies to mitigate their effects.