Despite being a primary concern for global warming, why does carbon dioxide have a low global warming potential?

The chosen answer, which explains that carbon dioxide exists in relatively high concentrations, highlights an important aspect of its role in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a significant greenhouse gas, mainly due to its ability to absorb infrared radiation and thus contribute to the greenhouse effect. However, its "low global warming potential" in the context of specific comparisons to other greenhouse gases, such as methane (CH4) or nitrous oxide (N2O), is accurately attributed to its relatively lower effectiveness in trapping heat per molecule when compared to these other gases.

While CO2 is indeed present in significant concentrations, its global warming potential is mathematically defined by comparing its heat-trapping abilities over a specific timeframe to those of other greenhouse gases. Thus, although its concentration is high, the actual warming effect of carbon dioxide per molecule is less potent than some other gases, making it have a lower global warming potential relative to those gases.

The other options refer to characteristics that do not directly explain the global warming potential of CO2 in the context provided. For instance, its being a reactive compound is more relevant to its chemical behavior than its capability to contribute to warming. Similarly, heat capacity refers to a material’s ability to store heat, which is a different concept