Global warming is attributed to the presence of the following gases in the atmosphere:
(A) Methane

(B) Sulphur dioxide

(C) Surface Ozone

(D) Nitrogen dioxide

(E) Carbon dioxide

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

Introduction:

• Global warming is primarily caused by greenhouse gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures.
• Among the options provided, Methane (A), Surface Ozone (C), and Carbon dioxide (E) are significant contributors to the greenhouse effect.
• These gases absorb infrared radiation and trap heat in the atmosphere, thus contributing to the warming of the planet.
• Sulphur dioxide (B) and Nitrogen dioxide (D), while harmful pollutants contributing to acid rain and smog, do not directly cause global warming at the same level as the greenhouse gases mentioned.

Information Booster:

• Carbon dioxide (CO2): The most prominent greenhouse gas, primarily from burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
• Methane (CH4): A potent greenhouse gas that is over 25 times more effective than CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere, primarily released from livestock, agriculture, and landfills.
• Surface Ozone (O3): A greenhouse gas at ground level, formed by chemical reactions between pollutants from cars and industrial sources.

Additional knowledge:

• Sulphur dioxide (SO2): Contributes to acid rain but reflects sunlight away from Earth, having a cooling effect rather than warming.
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): Mainly a pollutant causing respiratory issues and contributing to smog but has a minimal role in global warming.