What does the greenhouse effect primarily result from?

The greenhouse effect primarily results from the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. When these gases accumulate, they trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space. This process is essential for maintaining Earth’s temperature; however, an excess of carbon dioxide—largely from human activities such as fossil fuel combustion, industrial processes, and deforestation—intensifies the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and climate change.

Though other options, like ozone depletion and deforestation, can have environmental impacts, they do not directly cause the greenhouse effect. Ozone depletion affects the stratospheric ozone layer, which protects against harmful UV radiation, while nuclear waste is a concern related to energy production and radioactive contamination rather than greenhouse gas emissions. Deforestation contributes to increased carbon dioxide levels as trees that absorb CO2 are removed, but it is not the primary mechanism causing the greenhouse effect itself. Thus, the release of carbon dioxide is the most significant factor in this context.