Question:

Which of the following gas among the major green house gases contribute about 60 per cent of total global warming ?

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To address climate change, global mitigation strategies focus heavily on reducing $\text{CO}_2$ emissions, as it is the dominant contributor to human-induced global warming.
  • $\text{CO}_2$
  • $\text{N}_2\text{O}$
  • $\text{CH}_4$
  • $\text{CO}$
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Global warming is driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, which trap outgoing infrared radiation and warm the planet.
Different greenhouse gases contribute to global warming in varying proportions, depending on their atmospheric concentration and Global Warming Potential (GWP).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us analyze the greenhouse gases and their relative contributions to global warming:
1. Carbon Dioxide ($\text{CO}_2$) is released through fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, biomass burning, and industrial processes.
Although $\text{CO}_2$ has a lower GWP than methane or nitrous oxide, it is emitted in massive quantities and persists in the atmosphere for centuries.
Consequently, $\text{CO}_2$ is the largest contributor to anthropogenic global warming, accounting for approximately $60\%$ of the total enhanced greenhouse effect.
2. Methane ($\text{CH}_4$) is a potent greenhouse gas released from agriculture, livestock, and landfills, contributing around $20\%$ of global warming.
3. Nitrous Oxide ($\text{N}_2\text{O}$) is emitted primarily from fertilizer use and industrial processes, contributing about $6\%$ of the total warming effect.
4. Carbon Monoxide ($\text{CO}$) is a reactive gas, but it is not a direct greenhouse gas and does not contribute to global warming in this proportion.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The gas that contributes approximately $60\%$ to global warming is Carbon Dioxide ($\text{CO}_2$), corresponding to option (A).
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