Which of these is the most important cause of the increase in atmospheric CO₂?
A)decaying vegetation
B)burning of coal and petroleum
C)wetlands and swamps
D)cattle
E)deforestation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Burning of coal and petroleum releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This is the primary cause of the increase in atmospheric CO₂ that has been observed since the Industrial Revolution. Other factors, such as deforestation and decaying vegetation, also contribute to the problem, but not to the same extent as burning fossil fuels. Cattle also produce methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas, but again, not at the same scale as fossil fuel burning. Wetlands and swamps can actually act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO₂ from the atmosphere, so they do not contribute significantly to the increase in atmospheric CO₂.

Which of These Is the Most Important Cause of the Increase