Measuring Emissions and Creating a Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Many cities are conducting inventories of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gas emissions to serve as the foundation for informed and effective climate action plans. Cities are finding that these projects also save money, reduce air pollution, improve public health and boost a city’s reputation for livability. This guide provides guidance for municipal leaders seeking to take this first step toward mitigating climate change.
A term used for significant changes over an extended period of time in the Earth's natural environments. Climate change can be produced by natural processes (e.g. changes in the Earth's orbit) or by the impact of human behavior (e.g. deforestation). See GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE.Greenhouse gases are a part of the Earth's atmosphere and are both naturally occurring and the result of human chemical processes. The most common greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and chlorofluourocarbons. These gases trap heat and thus contribute to the warming of the planet. See also CFCS and GREENHOUSE EFFECT.
