Carbon disulfide (CS₂) has been historically associated with the production of rayon, cellophane, and carbon tetrachloride. This study identifies multiple mechanisms by which CS₂ contributes to the formation of CO₂ in the atmosphere. CS₂ and other associated sulfide compounds were found by this study to be present in emissions from unconventional shale gas extraction and processing (E&P) operations. The breakdown products of CS₂; carbonyl sulfide (COS), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) are indirect greenhouse gases (GHGs) that contribute to CO₂ levels in the atmosphere. The heat-trapping nature of CO₂ has been found to increase the surface temperature, resulting in regional and global climate change. The purpose of this study is to identify five mechanisms by which CS₂ and the breakdown products of CS₂ contribute to atmospheric concentrations of CO₂. The five mechanisms of CO₂ formation are as follows:

1. Chemical Interaction of CS₂ and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) present in natural gas at high temperatures, resulting in CO₂ formation;

2. Combustion of CS₂ in the presence of oxygen producing SO₂ and CO₂;

3. Photolysis of CS₂ leading to the formation of COS, CO, and SO₂, which are indirect contributors to CO₂ formation;

4. One-step hydrolysis of CS₂, producing reactive intermediates and ultimately forming H₂S and CO₂;

5. Two-step hydrolysis of CS₂ forming the reactive COS intermediate that reacts with an additional water molecule, ultimately forming H₂S and CO₂. CS₂ and COS additionally are implicated in the formation of SO₂ in the stratosphere and/or troposphere. SO₂ is an indirect contributor to CO₂ formation and is implicated in global climate change.