Why is carbon dioxide in the atmosphere a greenhouse gas?

A) It prevents energy and heat from the sun from entering the Earth's atmosphere.
B) It permits too much energy to enter the Earth's atmosphere.
C) It allows energy to escape the atmosphere.
D) It absorbs and traps energy in the Earth's atmosphere.

Greenhouse Gas

Gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Carbon Dioxide

A transparent, unscented gas formed by the burning of organic substances and carbon, also released during breathing, and absorbed by plants in the photosynthesis process.

Earth's Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding Earth, retained by the planet's gravity, composed primarily of nitrogen and oxygen, and protecting life by absorbing ultraviolet solar radiation and reducing temperature extremes.