Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

Which greenhouse gas is considered the primary concern in relation to global warming?

1. Chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant

2. Carbon monoxide

3. Sulfur dioxide

4. Carbon dioxide

The correct answer is: Carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide is considered the primary concern in relation to global warming because it is the most significant greenhouse gas emitted by human activities, particularly through the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Its role in the greenhouse effect is crucial, as it traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to an increase in Earth's average temperatures. While other gases, like chlorofluorocarbons and sulfur dioxide, can contribute to warming and have environmental impacts, carbon dioxide's concentration in the atmosphere and its long-lived nature make it the leading factor in long-term climate change. The widespread use of carbon-based fuels in energy production, transportation, and industrial processes means that efforts to mitigate climate change largely focus on reducing carbon dioxide emissions, highlighting its significance in discussions about global warming.