United Nations Environment Programme

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Carbon dioxide is a colourless gas formed during the combustion of any material containing carbon.

Sources of CO2:
All energy production using combustion emits carbon dioxide. This includes driving vehicles, electricity production, heating, etc. Transport is responsible for approximately 25% of global emissions of CO2.

Health effects of CO2:
There are no known serious direct health effects from CO2. However, the indirect health effects of climate change are numerous (See Tool 7).

Environmental effects of CO2:

Carbon dioxide is a ‘greenhouse gas,’ and is one of the primary cause of human-induced climate change.

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