Which one of the following greenhouse gases is the largest single cont

Which one of the following greenhouse gases is the largest single contributor to anthropogenic radiative forcing?

Methane

Ozone

Nitrous oxide

Carbon dioxide

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UPSC Geoscientist – 2020

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Among the listed greenhouse gases, Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the largest single contributor to anthropogenic radiative forcing since the pre-industrial era. Its high concentration, long atmospheric lifetime, and significant increase due to the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation make it the primary driver of climate change.

Carbon dioxide is the most significant anthropogenic greenhouse gas contributing to the enhanced greenhouse effect and radiative forcing.

Radiative forcing is the change in the balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing infrared radiation in the atmosphere. While methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) have higher global warming potentials per molecule than CO2, the much larger increase in CO2 concentration in the atmosphere results in its dominant contribution to the overall anthropogenic radiative forcing. Ozone (O3) also contributes, but its distribution and lifetime are more variable.

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