What is the primary man-made greenhouse gas?

The primary man-made greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide (CO2). This gas is released into the atmosphere primarily through the burning of fossil fuels, which includes coal, oil, and natural gas, for energy and transportation. Deforestation also contributes significantly to CO2 emissions, as trees that would normally absorb carbon dioxide are removed, exacerbating the buildup of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide is the most prevalent greenhouse gas in relation to human activities, making it a major driver of climate change. It has a long atmospheric lifetime, which means that once released, it remains in the atmosphere for a prolonged period, further enhancing its impact on global temperatures and weather patterns. Its significant contribution to the greenhouse effect comes from its ability to trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to various environmental impacts, including rising sea levels, changing weather patterns, and increased frequency of severe weather events.

In contrast, methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are also greenhouse gases but are present in smaller quantities relative to CO2 and have different sources and impacts. Ozone, while a greenhouse gas, is not primarily emitted directly by human activities in the same way as CO2, and its presence in the atmosphere can be a secondary effect of