Greenhouse Effect

The warming effect of the earth’s atmosphere on the earth. Light energy from the sun, which passes through the earth’s atmosphere, is absorbed by the earth’s surface and re-radiated into the atmosphere as heat energy. The heat energy is then trapped by the atmosphere, creating a situation similar to that which occurs in a greenhouse or a car with its windows rolled up. Many scientists believe that the emission of CO₂ and other gases into the atmosphere may increase the greenhouse effect and contribute to global warming.