Carbon is a chemical element that is the basis of the chemistry of life on Earth (organic chemistry).
Carbon is the fourth most abundant element in the universe. It is found in several forms including diamond and graphite and what's called amorphous carbon, which includes coal and soot, as well as being found in the cells of living organisms, alcohols, gases including methane, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide. And don't get us started on some of the more exotic structures such as Buckminsterfullerene and nanotubes.
Carbon dioxide and methane are
greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. Major sources of carbon dioxide include the burning of
fossil fuels, which releases the gas. Major sources of methane include organic decay such as the decomposition of plants and animals and cow manure.
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