The Greenhouse Effect
The sun emits a form of energy called radiation that travels through empty space and heats our planet and its atmosphere.
Light is the visible evidence of the most abundant form of this radiation, but there are also other types of radiation we cannot see. Much of this radiation strikes the earth, heating the land and ocean.
Some goes back out to space or into the atmosphere where it is absorbed by certain gas molecules. These gases then absorb and re-emit radiation in all directions, warming the planet even more.
Earth’s average surface temperature WITH greenhouse gases: 14°C
“Greenhouse gas” is the term for gases that are particularly good at absorbing this radiation. Such gases are essential for the maintenance of climate and terrestrial ecosystems. Water vapor is a greenhouse gas, but so are many other gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and ozone (O3).
The additional warming by greenhouse gases is commonly called “the Greenhouse Effect” but “the blanket effect” may be more appropriate. Though only 1% of atmospheric gases are greenhouse gases, they are extremely powerful heat trappers. The Greenhouse Effect is a natural phenomenon that makes the planet livable. Without it, the planet’s surface would be much colder and would not support most of our current ecosystems.
Earth’s average surface temperature WITHOUT greenhouse gases: -18°C
But by burning fossil fuels and forests faster and faster, humans are effectively piling on more blankets, heating the planet so much and so quickly that it’s hard for nature and human societies to adapt.
Adding greenhouse gases increases Earth’s temperature
