Which greenhouse gas significantly contributes to climate change?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a significant greenhouse gas that plays a major role in climate change. It is primarily released through human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels for energy, deforestation, and various industrial processes. CO2 accounts for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions and is a key factor in the greenhouse effect, where gases in the atmosphere trap heat, leading to an increase in global temperatures.

The substantial volume of CO2 released into the atmosphere has long-term impacts on climate patterns, including changes in weather, rising sea levels, and changes in ecosystems. Its persistence in the atmosphere means that even small increases can have lasting effects on climate change.

While other greenhouse gases like methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are also important and have a more potent warming effect on a per molecule basis, CO2 is the most significant contributor to the overall greenhouse effect due to its high concentration. Ozone (O3), while impactful, often acts more as a pollutant at ground level rather than a direct contributor to climate change in the same way these gases do. The complexity of their interactions and relative abundance in the atmosphere makes CO2 the primary greenhouse gas of concern in climate discussions.