Which greenhouse gas is mentioned as contributing to the greenhouse effect?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a significant greenhouse gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere. This gas is produced through natural processes such as respiration and volcanic eruptions, as well as human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and various industrial processes.

The greenhouse effect occurs when certain gases in the atmosphere absorb and emit infrared radiation, leading to an increase in the planet's temperature. Carbon dioxide is particularly notable for its long atmospheric lifetime; once released, it can remain in the atmosphere for many years, thereby contributing to long-term climate change. Its concentration has dramatically increased since the Industrial Revolution, significantly impacting global warming and climate variability.

While ozone, methane, and nitrous oxide are also important greenhouse gases that play roles in climate change, the question specifically identifies carbon dioxide as the notable contributor, particularly due to its abundance and lasting effects in the atmosphere.