Name the gas that causes global warming?

ESIC Nursing Officer 2016 (shift-1)

General Knowledge

Easy

Appeared in: ESIC Nursing Officer 2016 (shift-1)

Explanation

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the most significant greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.
Its primary source from human activity is the combustion of fossil fuels for energy and transportation.
Although other gases are more potent, CO₂'s vast quantity and long atmospheric lifetime (hundreds of years) make it the main driver of climate change.
The rising global concentration of CO₂ is directly linked to the increase in global temperatures.

Option A: While Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a potent greenhouse gas (about 300 times more effective at trapping heat than CO₂), its atmospheric concentration is significantly lower than CO₂. Therefore, its overall contribution to global warming is less.
Option C: Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) is not a greenhouse gas. It forms sulfate aerosols in the atmosphere that reflect sunlight, leading to a net cooling effect. It is a primary component of acid rain.
Option D: Carbon monoxide (CO) is not a direct greenhouse gas because it does not trap heat effectively. It has an indirect impact by influencing the concentrations of other greenhouse gases like methane and ozone.

Visual 1: Diagram - An infographic illustrating the greenhouse effect, showing how gases like CO₂ trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
Visual 2: Chart - A pie chart or bar graph showing the relative contributions of different greenhouse gases (CO₂, methane, N₂O, etc.) to global warming, highlighting CO₂'s dominant share.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Greenhouse gases and their role in global warming helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
As a nurse, understanding the basics of environmental health, including the causes of climate change, is crucial for public health advocacy.
Climate change leads to significant health risks, including heat-related illnesses (heatstroke), worsening respiratory conditions like asthma due to air pollution, and the spread of vector-borne diseases (like dengue and malaria) as temperatures rise.
Nurses can educate patients and communities on the health impacts of air pollution and advocate for policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promoting cleaner air and better public health outcomes.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of environmental science.
First, identify the key terms in the question: 'gas' and 'global warming'.
The question asks to 'name' the gas, implying it's looking for the primary or most well-known contributor.
Recall the main greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the most commonly cited gas in the context of global warming due to its high volume from human activities.
Evaluate the options. While Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas, its contribution is less than CO₂. Sulphur dioxide causes cooling, and Carbon monoxide has indirect effects. This confirms Carbon dioxide is the best answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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