What is the correct increasing order of the contribution to the global warming by the following gases?

A. Methane (CH₄)

B. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

C. Nitrous oxide (N₂O)

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

UGC NET Official Paper 1: Held On 17 June 2023 Shift 1

Answer 1

Key Points

The correct increasing order of contribution to global warming by the given gases is:

Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
Methane (CH₄)
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an abundant greenhouse gas but still contributes to global warming. It is released from agricultural and industrial activities, as well as from the combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste. Nitrous oxide has a much higher warming potential than both CO₂ and CH4.
Methane (CH₄) is the second most important greenhouse gas. It is released from various sources such as livestock farming, natural gas production, coal mining, and the decay of organic waste in landfills. Methane has a higher warming potential compared to CO₂, although it is present in lower concentrations in the atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas responsible for the majority of global warming. It is released through the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other industrial processes. Due to its high concentration and long atmospheric lifetime, CO2 has a significant impact on trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere.

Therefore, the correct increasing order of their contribution to global warming is C (N₂O), A (CH₄), and B (CO₂)