Arrange the following gases in an increasing order of their contribution towards global warming.

A. Methane

B. Chlorofluorocarbons

C. Nitrous oxide

D. Carbondioxide

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

The correct answer is - C, B, A, D

Key Points

• C, B, A, D
  • Nitrous oxide (N₂O) has a high global warming potential (GWP), but its overall contribution is lower compared to other gases due to its lower concentration in the atmosphere.
  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have a very high GWP and are significant contributors to global warming, but their atmospheric concentration is regulated and relatively lower.
  • Methane (CH₄) has a higher GWP than CO₂, but its concentration in the atmosphere is lower, making its overall contribution lower than CO₂.
  • Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the most significant contributor to global warming due to its high concentration and long atmospheric lifetime.

Additional Information

• Global Warming Potential (GWP)
  • GWP measures how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time period, usually 100 years, compared to carbon dioxide.
  • CO₂ has a GWP of 1, while methane has a GWP of 28-36, nitrous oxide has a GWP of 298, and CFCs have GWPs ranging from 1000 to 11,000.
• Atmospheric Concentrations
  • CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere is approximately 400 parts per million (ppm).
  • Methane concentration is about 1.8 ppm.
  • Nitrous oxide concentration is around 0.3 ppm.
  • CFCs are present in much smaller concentrations due to regulatory measures, but they have very high GWPs.
• Regulatory Measures
  • Efforts to reduce CFCs have been successful due to international agreements like the Montreal Protocol.
  • Regulation of CO₂ and methane emissions is a major focus of climate change mitigation strategies.