Which gas is primarily responsible for the greenhouse effect?

Carbon dioxide is primarily responsible for the greenhouse effect due to its ability to trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. This gas is a significant component of the atmosphere that contributes to global warming and climate change. It absorbs infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface, preventing it from escaping back into space and thereby warming the atmosphere—a process essential for maintaining Earth's temperature and climate.

Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere through natural processes such as respiration and volcanic eruptions, as well as human activities, including fossil fuel burning, deforestation, and industrial processes, which have increased its concentration significantly since the Industrial Revolution. In contrast, ozone primarily exists in the stratosphere where it plays a vital role in blocking harmful ultraviolet radiation but is not a major contributor to the greenhouse effect itself. Nitrogen and oxygen, while abundant in the atmosphere, do not have significant greenhouse properties, as they do not effectively absorb infrared radiation.