Which term is used for emissions released from burning fossil fuels, contributing to climate change?

Which term is used for emissions released from burning fossil fuels, contributing to climate change?

• A. Nitrogen oxides
• B. CO2 emissions
• C. Sulfur dioxide
• D. Particulate matter

Answer: (B)

Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. This buildup drives the long-term warming known as climate change because CO2 persists for a long time and accumulates with ongoing burning of coal, oil, and natural gas. Among the options, CO2 emissions are the direct link to this climate effect, whereas the other pollutants—nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter—have major impacts on air quality and health and can influence climate in different ways, but they are not the primary drivers of long-term climate change like carbon dioxide.

Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. This buildup drives the long-term warming known as climate change because CO2 persists for a long time and accumulates with ongoing burning of coal, oil, and natural gas. Among the options, CO2 emissions are the direct link to this climate effect, whereas the other pollutants—nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter—have major impacts on air quality and health and can influence climate in different ways, but they are not the primary drivers of long-term climate change like carbon dioxide.