The greenhouse effect

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that occurs when certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere, known as greenhouse gases, trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping into space. This process is crucial for maintaining a habitable temperature on Earth, but human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation have significantly increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming. This has resulted in numerous negative impacts on the environment, including rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems and agriculture. Addressing the causes of the greenhouse effect is therefore a critical component of efforts to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.