What environmental issue is primarily associated with the greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect is primarily associated with global warming, which is the gradual increase in Earth's average temperature due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space, leading to a warming effect on the planet.

As human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, increase the concentration of these gases, the enhanced greenhouse effect results in significant changes to Earth’s climate. This warming can lead to various environmental issues, including severe weather patterns, rising sea levels, and impacts on biodiversity.

In contrast, ozone layer depletion refers to the thinning of the ozone layer in the stratosphere, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Acid rain formation is a result of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released into the atmosphere from industrial activities, leading to the acidification of rainwater. Deforestation is primarily associated with loss of biodiversity and disruption of ecosystems rather than directly causing the greenhouse effect. While these other issues are significant environmental concerns, they do not directly relate to the greenhouse effect in the same way that global warming does.