GREENHOUSE EFFECT
The greenhouse effect refers to the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap
heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space. This natural phenomenon is
essential for maintaining a suitable temperature on Earth, allowing it to support life. The primary
greenhouse gases responsible for this effect include water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane
(CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), ozone (O3), and some human-made gases like chlorofluorocarbons
(CFCs). The Sun emits energy in the form of shortwave radiation, primarily visible light and
ultraviolet (UV) rays. This energy reaches the Earth. Some of the incoming solar radiation is
absorbed by the Earth's surface, warming it. The rest is reflected back into space by the
atmosphere, clouds, and reflective surfaces like ice and snow. The Earth, in turn, emits energy in
the form of longwave infrared radiation. This outgoing radiation is crucial for maintaining a
balance, preventing the Earth from overheating. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb and
re-emit some of the outgoing infrared radiation. This process traps heat in the atmosphere,
effectively acting like a blanket around the Earth. The re-emitted infrared radiation warms the
atmosphere and the Earth's surface. This additional warming is what sustains the Earth's
temperature at a level suitable for life. While the natural greenhouse effect is essential, human
activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have increased the concentrations of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This enhanced greenhouse effect is contributing to global
warming and climate change, with potential impacts on weather patterns, sea levels, and
ecosystems. Efforts to mitigate climate change often focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions
and developing sustainable practices to minimize the human impact on the environment.
