The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the Sun, keeping the planet warm enough to support life. Sunlight passes through the atmosphere and warms the Earth's surface. The Earth then emits heat (infrared radiation) back toward space, but greenhouse gases absorb and re-radiate some of this heat, preventing it from escaping and thus warming the atmosphere
. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), water vapor, and ozone. Water vapor acts as a feedback that amplifies warming. Without this effect, Earth's average temperature would be about -18°C (0°F), rather than the current average of around 14-15°C (57-59°F)
. Human activities, especially burning fossil fuels, have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases like CO2, enhancing the natural greenhouse effect. This leads to more heat being trapped, causing global warming and climate change
. In summary, the greenhouse effect is like a blanket of gases around Earth that traps heat, making the planet warm enough for life, but human-induced increases in these gases are causing excessive warming and climate impacts
