Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere contributes to global warming by:

Carbon dioxide contributes to global warming primarily through its ability to absorb infrared radiation. This process is crucial in the greenhouse effect, as it traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere, preventing it from escaping into space. By absorbing infrared radiation, rather than visible light, carbon dioxide helps maintain the planet's temperature.

The correct answer highlights that while carbon dioxide allows visible light to pass through, it effectively absorbs infrared radiation, leading to an increase in thermal energy in the atmosphere. This distinction is essential in understanding how certain gases can influence climate change by enhancing the greenhouse effect.

In contrast, options suggesting that carbon dioxide absorbs visible light don't accurately reflect its properties; carbon dioxide does not play a significant role in absorbing visible wavelengths. Options indicating that it transmits both infrared and visible light overlook the crucial aspect of how it contributes to warming by absorbing infrared radiation specifically. Thus, the emphasis on transmitting visible light while absorbing infrared radiation accurately describes the role of carbon dioxide in atmospheric warming.