What are harmful emissions like CO2 released into the atmosphere known as?

Harmful emissions such as CO2 that are released into the atmosphere are categorized as greenhouse gas emissions. This classification is based on their ability to trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect, which leads to global warming and climate change. Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, play a critical role in altering the Earth's climate system.

While the term "carbon footprint" refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases that are generated by human activities, it does not specifically define emissions themselves. Air pollutants encompass a broader range of harmful substances in the air, which may include particulate matter and other toxins, but not exclusively greenhouse gases. Environmental toxins represent a wide array of harmful substances that can cause adverse effects but aren't limited to emissions from industrial processes or vehicles. Hence, greenhouse gas emissions are the most accurate descriptor for harmful emissions like CO2 in the context of atmospheric impact.