Planet Earth. The greenhouse effect.

The greenhouse effect is a crucial phenomenon that influences Earth's climate. Let's delve into its details:

1. Definition:
The greenhouse effect refers to the warming of Earth's surface and troposphere (the lowest layer of the atmosphere) caused by specific gases present in the air.
These gases, collectively known as greenhouse gases, include water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and certain other gases.
Among these, water vapor has the most significant effect on the greenhouse effect¹².

2. How It Works:
Imagine Earth as a giant greenhouse with insulating glass walls.
Sunlight passes through these walls and reaches Earth's surface.
When the surface absorbs sunlight, it warms up and emits heat (infrared radiation).
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere allow sunlight to reach the surface but trap the heat that reflects back up.
This trapped heat raises the temperature of Earth's surface and troposphere, creating the greenhouse effect.

3. Human Influence:
Human activities contribute to global warming by enhancing the greenhouse effect.
Activities such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes release additional greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
These extra gases intensify the natural greenhouse effect, leading to rising global temperatures.

4. Concerns:
Earth's climate has changed over geological time, but the recent warming trend is unprecedented.
Natural cycles alone cannot explain the rapid warming observed in recent decades.
Scientists worry that some living organisms may struggle to adapt to this accelerated climate change.

Remember, the greenhouse effect is both natural and essential for maintaining a habitable planet. However, human activities have amplified it, resulting in global warming and climate challenges.