Learn more about Emissions

Human activities emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas for energy production, as well as through deforestation, industry, and agriculture. Carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases naturally trap heat within our atmosphere, helping Earth maintain a comfortable temperature fit for human life. But when human activity upsets the balance by putting billions of tons of these heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere every year, they trap too much heat, causing our global temperature to rise. Even small increases in Earth’s temperature affect our global climate by impacting our agriculture, water supply, health, economic vitality, food supply, and more.

Through our stories we explore different ways we emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and contribute to climate change.

Last Stand

In Last Stand, Harrison Ford goes to Indonesia, where he investigates deforestation and how it affects global carbon emissions and orangutan habitats.

Chasing Methane

In Chasing Methane, Mark Bittman investigates methane gas leaked into the air from the process of extracting natural gas from our earth.

The Governor

In The Governor, Olivia Munn goes to Washington State where we learn how one governor battles the coal industry in an effort to cut emissions.

Preacher’s Daughter

In Preacher’s Daughter, Ian Somerhalder discovers why burning coal is an issue that divides father and daughter.