What does the Greenhouse Effect refer to?

The Greenhouse Effect describes the process by which heat is retained in the Earth's lower atmosphere due to the presence of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. These gases work like the glass of a greenhouse, allowing sunlight to enter while preventing some of the heat that the sunlight generates from escaping back into space. As sunlight reaches the Earth’s surface, it is absorbed and then radiated back as infrared heat. The greenhouse gases absorb and re-radiate this infrared radiation, effectively trapping heat and maintaining the planet's temperature within a range that supports life.

This phenomena is crucial for sustaining Earth’s climate and ecosystems; without the greenhouse effect, the average surface temperature of the Earth would be significantly lower, making it inhospitable for most current forms of life. The balance of greenhouse gases influences global warming and climate change, making the Greenhouse Effect a fundamental concept in environmental science and climate discussions.