How does the greenhouse effect warm Earth?
Quick Answer
Greenhouse gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, trapping some heat in the lower atmosphere. Without this effect, Earth would be much colder.
The Full Story
Sunlight passes through the atmosphere and warms Earth’s surface, which then emits heat as infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases absorb some of that outgoing infrared energy and re-radiate it in all directions, including back toward the surface. This natural greenhouse effect keeps the planet roughly 33 °C warmer than it would be otherwise. Human activities have increased greenhouse gas concentrations, strengthening the effect and driving modern climate change.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Earth’s atmosphere acts like a blanket, and greenhouse gases thicken that blanket"