Which of the following pollutants is most associated with the effects of climate change?

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to climate change. It has a much greater capacity to trap heat in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide, even though it is present in smaller quantities. Over a 20-year period, methane is estimated to be more than 80 times more effective than carbon dioxide in terms of warming the planet. This makes it a crucial factor in discussions about climate change and global warming.

Additionally, methane emissions primarily come from agricultural practices, landfills, and the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas. By understanding and addressing methane emissions, efforts can be made to mitigate climate change impacts. This emphasis on methane as a significant contributor to climate change is what established it as the correct choice in this context.

In contrast, while dust, ozone, and carbon monoxide have their environmental impacts and can affect air quality and human health, they do not have the same level of association with climate change as methane does. Dust can influence weather patterns but is not a greenhouse gas, ozone at ground level is a harmful pollutant, and carbon monoxide mainly affects health rather than contributing directly to climate warming.