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What is the greenhouse effect?

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Quick answer

The greenhouse effect is the process by which gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warm enough for life. Burning fossil fuels adds more of these gases, intensifying the effect and warming the climate. Sunlight warms Earth's surface, which radiates heat back toward space.

Key things to understand

  1. Sunlight warms Earth's surface, which radiates heat back toward space.
  2. Greenhouse gases (CO₂, methane, water vapor) absorb and re-emit some of that heat, keeping it in.
  3. A natural greenhouse effect makes Earth habitable; too much causes warming.
  4. Human emissions are strengthening the effect, driving climate change.

People also ask

Is the greenhouse effect bad?
No — a natural greenhouse effect keeps Earth warm enough for life. The problem is the extra warming from human-added gases.
Which gases cause the greenhouse effect?
Mainly carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and nitrous oxide.
How is it linked to climate change?
Adding more greenhouse gases traps more heat, raising global temperatures — the core driver of climate change.