What is the greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, warming the planet.

The Earth's atmosphere is composed of various gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, and trace amounts of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and water vapour (H₂O). When sunlight reaches the Earth, it passes through the atmosphere and warms the planet's surface. The Earth then emits this energy back towards space as infrared radiation. However, greenhouse gases absorb and re-radiate some of this infrared radiation, trapping heat in the atmosphere and keeping the Earth warmer than it would be otherwise.

This natural process is essential for life on Earth, as it maintains the planet's temperature at a level suitable for living organisms. Without the greenhouse effect, the Earth's average temperature would be about -18°C, rather than the current average of around 15°C. However, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, have significantly increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This enhanced greenhouse effect leads to more heat being trapped, causing global temperatures to rise, a phenomenon known as global warming.

The consequences of an enhanced greenhouse effect are far-reaching. Higher global temperatures can lead to more extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, storms, and heavy rainfall. Melting polar ice caps and glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, which can result in coastal flooding and habitat loss. Additionally, changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can disrupt ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and agriculture.

Understanding the greenhouse effect is crucial for addressing climate change. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adopting sustainable practices, we can mitigate the impact of global warming and protect our planet for future generations.