Which greenhouse gas has the highest heat-trapping capability per molecule?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) possess the highest heat-trapping capability per molecule among greenhouse gases. This is due to their molecular structure, which allows them to absorb a wide range of infrared radiation effectively. CFCs can be thousands of times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide. Their potency as greenhouse gases is compounded by their long atmospheric lifetimes, which allows them to persist in the atmosphere and contribute significantly to global warming.

While methane and nitrous oxide are also potent greenhouse gases, their heat-trapping efficiencies are lower than that of CFCs. Carbon dioxide, though the most prevalent greenhouse gas emitted by human activities, has a comparatively lower global warming potential per molecule when compared to CFCs. Thus, even though other gases like methane and nitrous oxide have significant impacts on warming, chlorofluorocarbons stand out for their extraordinary efficiency in trapping heat.