Greenhouse Gases and the Climate Change Impact

How do greenhouse gases contribute to climate change?

A.)Greenhouse gases release heat as they diffuse through the atmosphere.

B. Greenhouse gases prevent the sun's light from entering the atmosphere.

C. Greenhouse gases trap the sun's light within the atmosphere.

D. Greenhouse gases do not contribute to climate change.

The answer is C) Greenhouse gases trap the sun's light within the atmosphere.

Greenhouse gases play a crucial role in contributing to climate change by trapping the sun's light within the atmosphere. This process, known as the greenhouse effect, allows sunlight and heat radiation to enter the atmosphere, but prevents it from exiting, leading to increased global temperatures.

Why is it referred to as the greenhouse effect?

The term "greenhouse effect" is used because the mechanism of incoming and outgoing radiation that warms the planet operates similarly to a greenhouse. A greenhouse can maintain warm temperatures for plants to thrive year-round, even when it's cold outside. This comparison illustrates how greenhouse gases act as a barrier, trapping heat within the Earth's atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major greenhouse gas emitted through human activities, accounting for about 79% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2020. It is crucial to address carbon emissions to mitigate the effects of climate change.

A greenhouse, also known as a glasshouse, is a structure primarily made of transparent materials like glass, where plants that require controlled climatic conditions are grown. These structures come in various sizes, from small sheds to large industrial buildings.