Final answer:
Coal power generation is the largest source of greenhouse gases among the options given, due to the high volumes of CO₂ released during the burning of coal.
Nuclear, wind, and hydro power, on the other hand, produce minimal to no direct greenhouse gas emissions during electricity generation.
Therefore, the correct answer is: option d). Coal
Step-by-step explanation:
Coal-fired power plants burn coal to generate heat, which is then used to produce steam that turns turbines and generates electricity.
This process releases a significant amount of CO₂, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change. In contrast, nuclear power generates electricity by capturing the energy from the radioactive decay of elements, and it does not directly produce CO₂ during operation. Wind and hydro are renewable energy sources that do not emit greenhouse gases during electricity generation.
When considering the transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable sources, natural gas is often viewed as a more environmentally friendly option compared to coal because it produces less CO₂ per unit of energy generated. However, it is still a fossil fuel and thus contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, albeit at a lower rate than coal.