Question

Of all the human-caused gases, which one of the following make the greatest relative contribution to increasing global warming?

• A. Methane
• B. Nitrous oxide
• C. Carbon dioxide
• D. Chloroflurocarbon

Hint:

While Carbon Dioxide (\(\text{CO}_2\)) has a GWP of 1 (the baseline), its sheer abundance in the atmosphere makes it the dominant driver of climate change.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) trap infrared radiation in the atmosphere, leading to global warming.
Each gas has a different Global Warming Potential (GWP) and atmospheric concentration.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Although gases like methane (\(\text{CH}_4\)), nitrous oxide (\(\text{N}_2\text{O}\)), and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have much higher global warming potentials molecule-for-molecule than carbon dioxide (\(\text{CO}_2\)), Carbon dioxide is emitted in such massive, unprecedented volumes from fossil fuel combustion and deforestation that it contributes the most.
It is responsible for approximately \(60\text{--}65\%\) of the total human-induced greenhouse warming effect.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The greatest relative contributor is Carbon dioxide, corresponding to option (C).