Which gas is primarily responsible for enhancing the greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect is primarily enhanced by carbon dioxide (CO2) due to its ability to trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. This gas, along with others such as methane and nitrous oxide, absorbs infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface, preventing it from escaping back into space. This process contributes to the warming of the atmosphere, which can lead to climate change and global warming.

While oxygen and nitrogen are abundant gases in the atmosphere, they do not contribute significantly to the greenhouse effect. Oxygen is essential for respiration, and nitrogen makes up a large portion of the air we breathe but has no impact on temperature regulation. Hydrogen is also not a greenhouse gas; instead, it has various applications in energy and technology but does not play a role in trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Therefore, carbon dioxide's unique properties as a greenhouse gas make it the primary driver of the enhanced greenhouse effect, resulting in increased global temperatures and associated environmental impacts. Understanding the role of CO2 in climate change is crucial for addressing environmental issues and implementing effective climate policies.