The greenhouse effect is indeed a natural phenomenon that occurs in our atmosphere. It plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s temperature and making it habitable.
Here’s how it works: the Earth receives energy from the sun, which warms the planet’s surface. This heat is then re-radiated back into space as infrared radiation. However, certain gases in the atmosphere, known as greenhouse gases, capture some of this infrared radiation and trap heat in the atmosphere. These gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor, act like a blanket, keeping the Earth warm enough to support life.
Without the greenhouse effect, our planet would be significantly colder—about 33 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) cooler—making it challenging for life to thrive as we know it. Therefore, while the greenhouse effect is essential for maintaining a suitable temperature on Earth, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have intensified this natural process, leading to climate change implications that are concerning for our environment.