What is the main adverse effect of increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere primarily contributes to global warming and resulting climate change due to its role as a greenhouse gas. Carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere, preventing it from escaping back to space, which leads to an increase in Earth’s average temperature. This warming effect can cause various climatic changes, such as more extreme weather patterns, rising sea levels, and shifts in ecosystems and agriculture.

The connection between carbon dioxide and climate change is well-supported by scientific research, showing that higher concentrations of CO2 correlate with global temperature rises. Other consequences of climate change include alterations in precipitation patterns, which can lead to flooding or droughts, depending on the region.

While increased carbon dioxide can relate to other issues such as air pollution and acid rain, these are not the primary adverse effects driven specifically by the rise of CO2 itself. The pivotal impact of carbon dioxide is firmly centered around its contribution to climate change, making the option about increasing global warming the most accurate choice.