What is the greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in Earth’s atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warmer than it would be without them. This effect is crucial for maintaining the Earth’s temperature at a level suitable for life.

How It Works:

1. Sunlight reaches the Earth’s surface, warming it.

2. The Earth radiates heat back toward space in the form of infrared radiation.

3. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), water vapor (H₂O), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), absorb some of this infrared radiation and re-emit it in all directions, including back toward the Earth’s surface.

4. This process traps heat in the atmosphere, warming the planet.

Importance:

Without the greenhouse effect, Earth’s average temperature would be about -18°C (0°F), too cold to support most forms of life. With it, the average temperature is about 15°C (59°F).

Human Impact:

Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases, enhancing the greenhouse effect and leading to global warming and climate change.

This natural phenomenon is vital for life, but its intensification due to human activity poses significant environmental challenges.