Final answer:
Sulfur dioxide is not a significant greenhouse gas; it affects the atmosphere mainly by contributing to acid rain. The main greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor, which all contribute to global warming by trapping heat.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary greenhouse gases significant in global warming are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), water vapor (H2O), and nitrous oxide (N2O). These gases absorb and emit radiant energy within the thermal infrared range, enhancing the greenhouse effect. While sulfur dioxide can impact the atmosphere, it primarily contributes to acid rain rather than acting as a greenhouse gas. This classification of gases is based on their ability to trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to an increase in global temperature.
Notably, the increase in CO2 levels is predominantly due to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and widespread deforestation. Even though some industrial processes release sulfur dioxide, it does not significantly contribute to the greenhouse effect compared to the other listed gases.