Question:

Among the major green house gases ______________ contributes about 60 per cent of total warming

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Always distinguish between concentration and potency. $CO_{2}$ is the "leader" in concentration; $SF_{6}$ or CFCs are "leaders" in per-molecule potency.
  • $CO_{2}$
  • $CH_{4}$
  • $N_{2}O$
  • CFC's
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the greenhouse gas (GHG) that has the largest overall contribution to global warming due to its sheer concentration in the atmosphere.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:


• While gases like Methane ($CH_{4}$) and Nitrous Oxide ($N_{2}O$) have a higher "Global Warming Potential" (they are more powerful per molecule), Carbon Dioxide ($CO_{2}$) is present in much larger quantities due to the massive burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.

• According to various IPCC reports, $CO_{2}$ accounts for approximately 60% to 75% of the total radiative forcing (warming effect) caused by anthropogenic greenhouse gases.

• Forests play a crucial role here as they act as "Carbon Sinks," absorbing $CO_{2}$ during photosynthesis and storing it as biomass. This makes forestry and agroforestry vital strategies for climate change mitigation.

• Methane contributes about 15-20%, while CFCs and Nitrous Oxide contribute the remainder. $CO_{2}$ remains the primary target for global climate policy and carbon credit mechanisms.

• The long atmospheric lifetime of $CO_{2}$ means that current emissions will continue to affect the global temperature for centuries.

Step 3: Final Answer:

$CO_{2}$ contributes about 60 per cent of total warming.
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