Final answer:
An incorrect statement regarding greenhouse gases would be that all have the same lasting impact in the atmosphere, as some last only a dozen years while others can last for millennia. The burning of fossil fuels and deforestation contribute to the increase in heat-trapping gases, leading to climate change. To combat this, society needs to reduce emissions and shift to renewable energy sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing climate change and greenhouse gases, a statement that would not be true is that all greenhouse gases have the same long-lasting effect in the atmosphere. Gases like methane remain in the atmosphere for about twelve years, while others like sulfur hexafluoride can persist for thousands of years. The latter, along with other synthetic fluorinated gases such as HFCs and PFCs, have a much longer atmospheric lifespan compared to naturally occurring greenhouse gases.
The burning of fossil fuels contributes to the increase of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which trap heat in the atmosphere and lead to global climate change. This effect is similar to the way glass panels in a greenhouse allow sunlight in but prevent the escape of heat, thereby warming the Earth's surface. Deforestation further exacerbates this issue by reducing the number of trees that can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
To mitigate the ongoing rise of greenhouse gas concentrations and global temperatures, a significant reduction in fossil fuel use and a switch to renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar, wind, and nuclear power are required. Even if emissions were dramatically reduced today, the climate would still continue to warm for some time due to the heat already stored in the oceans and the time it takes for them to respond to higher greenhouse gas concentrations.