Carbon Dioxide as a Major Contributor to the Greenhouse Effect:
Greenhouse gases are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat. This trapped heat is what causes the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and climate change. Among these gases, carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major contributor to the greenhouse effect.

Role of Carbon Dioxide:
- Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere through natural processes like respiration and volcanic eruptions, as well as human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
- CO2 molecules in the atmosphere allow sunlight to enter the Earth's atmosphere and heat up the surface. However, they also trap some of the heat that tries to escape back into space, acting like a blanket around the Earth.
- This trapped heat leads to an increase in the Earth's temperature, causing global warming and contributing to climate change.

Impact of Increasing Carbon Dioxide Levels:
- As human activities continue to release more CO2 into the atmosphere, the concentration of carbon dioxide has been steadily increasing.
- This increase in CO2 levels enhances the greenhouse effect, leading to more heat being trapped in the atmosphere and causing temperatures to rise.
- The consequences of this warming include more frequent and severe weather events, melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems and biodiversity.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to the greenhouse effect. Understanding its role and the impact of increasing CO2 levels is crucial in addressing climate change and working towards a more sustainable future.