ScienceJuly 17, 2026

gigatonne

/ˈɡɪɡəˌtʌn/

Definition

A unit of mass equal to one billion metric tonnes, frequently used to measure the vast quantities of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere by human activity.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'gigas' meaning 'giant' and the French 'tonne' meaning 'a metric ton.' It combines the scientific SI prefix 'giga-' for one billion with the standard metric unit of mass.

In the news

The article uses the term to quantify the immense volume of historical carbon dioxide emissions from countries like the United States and Germany to highlight their accountability for climate change.

Major emitters knew of fossil fuel dangers decades earlier than claimed

Read the full article ↗

The New Indian Express

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