--- title: What Is Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e)? | CO2 vs. CO2e & Importance description: Find out what carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) is, the difference between CO2 and CO2e, and why it is important to know. Learn everything about CO2e here. image: https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/What_Is_Carbon_Dioxide_Equivalent_(CO2e)_-_FI.png --- [![Carbon collective](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CarbonCollective_August2021%20copy/images/carbon-collective-green-investing-logo-white.4f6047d4.svg "Carbon collective")](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) - About - Employers - [Sustainable 401(k)](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k) - [401(k) Comparison Tool](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k/plan-comparison-tool) - Individuals - [FAQ](https://www.carboncollective.co/en/knowledge/faqs) - [ETF](https://www.carboncollectivefunds.com/) - Learn - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - [Blog](https://blog.carboncollective.co/) - [Tools](https://tools.carboncollective.co/calculator/) - Log in - [Carbon Collective](https://app.carboncollective.co) - [Altruist](https://app.altruist.com) [Talk to a human](https://ask.carboncollective.co/f4o5dylkg) [Sign up](https://app.carboncollective.co/sign-up) [Log In](http://app.carboncollective.co/) [![Carbon collective](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CarbonCollective_August2021%20copy/images/carbon-collective-green-investing-logo.53b28bee.svg "Carbon collective")](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) - About - Employers - [Sustainable 401(k)](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k) - [401(k) Comparison Tool](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k/plan-comparison-tool) - Individuals - [FAQ](https://www.carboncollective.co/en/knowledge/faqs) - [ETF](https://www.carboncollectivefunds.com/) - Learn - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - [Blog](https://blog.carboncollective.co/) - [Tools](https://tools.carboncollective.co/calculator/) - Log in - [Carbon Collective](https://app.carboncollective.co) - [Altruist](https://app.altruist.com) [Talk to a human](https://ask.carboncollective.co/f4o5dylkg) [Sign up](https://app.carboncollective.co/sign-up) [Log In](http://app.carboncollective.co/) **[Home](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) > [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing) >** Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e) # Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e) ![](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/zach-stein.jpeg) Written by Zach Stein | Reviewed by [Subject Matter Experts](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/subject-matter-experts) Updated on October 1, 2024 Fact Checked Why Trust Carbon Collective? ### Table of Contents ## **What Is Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e)?** Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) is a metric measure to compare the emissions from [greenhouse gases](https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases) on the basis of their [global warming potential (GWP)](https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/understanding-global-warming-potentials).  The term "carbon dioxide equivalent" (CO2e) is shortened and generally stated as "million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent" (MMTCDE). ## **Difference Between CO2 and CO2e** CO2 (carbon dioxide) is a colorless, odorless greenhouse gas released when [fossil fuels](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing/fossil-fuels) (such as natural gas, oil, coal, and other fossil fuels) burn.  Furthermore, this is also what you exhale, so it is a double-edged sword; you exhale carbon dioxide and inhale oxygen. In contrast, CO2e, or carbon dioxide equivalent, is more accurate, as it contains all the molecules that will absorb heat and will warm our atmosphere.  As a result of this, CO2e is a component of biological cycles. Hence, it is unavoidable. ![Difference_Between__CO2_and_CO2e](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Difference_Between__CO2_and_CO2e.png?width=1920&name=Difference_Between__CO2_and_CO2e.png) ## **Greenhouse Gases** Greenhouse gases other than CO2 contribute to global warming. Each greenhouse gas (GHG) has a varied global warming potential (GWP) and stays in the atmosphere for a varying amount of time. These are the other forms of greenhouse gases: ### **Carbon Dioxide** This kind of greenhouse gas is the most common one. [This gas is heavy, colorless, odorless](https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-atmospheric-carbon-dioxide), and taken from the air by plants during photosynthesis. It is created by burning fuels, the breakdown or combustion of animal and plant materials, and the process of breathing. At a normal temperature and pressure, this type of greenhouse gas is non-flammable. ### **Methane** Another form of greenhouse gas that is colorless, odorless, and prevalent in nature, and the result of human activity. [Methane](https://earth.stanford.edu/news/methane-and-climate-change#gs.71tdnr), which comes from landfills, can be collected and burned to generate electricity, heat buildings, or power garbage trucks. In short, this type of greenhouse gas is frequently used as a fuel. ### **Nitrous Oxide** This type of greenhouse gas is also [colorless and widely used for sedative and pain treatment](https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210603-nitrous-oxide-the-worlds-forgotten-greenhouse-gas). It is also used recreationally to make individuals feel high or intoxicated. Dentists and medical professionals frequently utilize this gas to sedate individuals undergoing minor medical procedures. ### **Synthetic Gas** Synthetic gas is a combination of hydrogen, carbon monoxide. In certain cases, it is used as a fuel and also often used in chemical synthesis. It gets its name from its use as an intermediary in producing ammonia, methanol, and synthetic natural gas. These gases have similar characteristics but different purposes and usages. Over the last few decades, we cannot deny that human emissions have contributed to the rising levels of these greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As a result, the earth is growing warmer. ## **The Importance of Knowing Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e)** ![The_Importance_of_Knowing__Carbon_Dioxide_Equivalent_(CO2e).png](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/The_Importance_of_Knowing__Carbon_Dioxide_Equivalent_(CO2e).png.png?width=1920&name=The_Importance_of_Knowing__Carbon_Dioxide_Equivalent_(CO2e).png.png) It is important to know about and understand carbon dioxide equivalents for several reasons. These are as follows: ### **Knowledge of CO2e is useful for measuring carbon footprints.** The aim is to compare the impact of each greenhouse gas to the quantity of CO2 required to produce the same degree of warmth.  A [carbon footprint](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing/carbon-footprint), which comprises numerous greenhouse gases, can be stated as a single number in this manner. ### **Being aware of CO2e is helpful in standardizing the climate effects of greenhouse gases. ** Knowledge of CO2e can contribute to the development of a standard scale for measuring the climatic effects of gases.  ### **Understanding CO2e is useful in lowering the CO2e emissions on wasting resources.** The impact of food waste production must be taken seriously, as the amount of CO2e in the atmosphere is expected to rise by more than 10% every 20 years. As a result, it is critical to eliminate and minimize food waste on a worldwide scale. ### **Information about CO2e can normalize all the greenhouse gases and other climate influences in standard units.** This example will help clarify how CO2e can be a viable way to normalize these greenhouse gases in standard units.  As an example, one ton of methane is equivalent to 25 tons of CO2e because it has a global warming potential of 25 times that of CO2. ## **Final Thoughts** Knowing about all the greenhouse gases is essential in showing that there are multiple reasons for global climate change. With that said, learning about CO2e can help show why excessive emissions of carbon dioxide must be limited and how it can contribute to minimizing waste in general. It is crucial to look at one greenhouse gas, limit its emission, and recognize the effect of every greenhouse gas and how they work together in elevating temperature levels. ## **FAQs** ### 1. What is CO2e? CO2e stands for carbon dioxide equivalent, which measures the effect of all greenhouse gases in standard units. ### 2. What are some examples of human activities that produce greenhouse gases? Examples of human activities that produce greenhouse gases include burning fossil fuels to run generators and automobiles, deforestation, and agriculture. ### 3. Why is understanding CO2e important? Knowledge of CO2e can contribute to the development of a standard scale for measuring the climatic effects of various gases. This information will help lessen CO2e emissions’ role in wasting resources. ### 4. What is a carbon footprint? A carbon footprint, which comprises numerous greenhouse gases, can be stated as a single number in this manner. It is often used as an alternative to CO2e and can help measure the impact of human activities on global climate change. ### 5. What are some examples of greenhouse gases? Some examples of greenhouse gases, also known as GHGs, include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. ### Related Topics - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/) - [Carbon Footprint](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/carbon-footprint) - [Energy Efficiency](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/energy-efficiency) - [Greenhouse Gases](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/greenhouse-gases) - [Net Zero](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/net-zero) - [Renewable Energy Sources](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/renewable-energy-sources) - [Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/sustainable-development-goals-sdgs) ![Attend Our Next Webinar](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/carbon-collective-green-investing-icon-webinar.12af7b6e.svg) ### Attend Our Next Webinar Join our next Sustainable Investing 101 webinar, get our favorite DIY options, and walk through how we build our portfolios. 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