Greenhouse Effect

Earth receives energy from the Sun and later emits much of its outgoing energy as **infrared radiation**. Greenhouse gases absorb and re-emit some of this outgoing infrared radiation. This keeps Earth's surface and lower atmosphere warmer than they would be without these gases.

The natural greenhouse effect is essential for maintaining temperatures suitable for life.

Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases can alter Earth's radiative balance and contribute to long-term warming.

* carbon dioxide; * methane; * water vapour; * nitrous oxide.

Greenhouse effect is **not the same as ozone depletion**. Greenhouse gases do not “trap all heat.”