Which greenhouse gas contributes the most to global warming?
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is often singled out as the main culprit of global warming caused by human activity. What makes it particularly problematic is its long lifespan in the atmosphere, which can last for thousands of years. This means that CO2 emitted today will continue to affect the climate for long periods, making immediate actions crucial to limit future temperature increases. One of the major sources of CO2 is the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, used to produce energy and power transportation.