Read in Academic Context

The Greenhouse Effect

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The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth's surface. When the Sun's energy reaches the Earth's atmosphere, some of it is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases. Without this natural insulation, Earth's average temperature would be about -18°C, making life as we know it impossible.

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The mechanism works somewhat like a glass greenhouse used to grow plants. Solar radiation passes through the atmosphere and warms the Earth's surface. The surface then releases this heat as infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases—including water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane—absorb this infrared radiation and trap the heat in the atmosphere, keeping the planet warm.

[Image of the greenhouse effect mechanism]

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However, since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have significantly enhanced this natural effect. The burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy and transportation has released vast amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Deforestation has further aggravated the problem by reducing the number of trees available to absorb this excess carbon dioxide.

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The result is a phenomenon known as global warming. As the concentration of greenhouse gases increases, more heat is trapped, leading to rising global temperatures. This warming disrupts climate patterns, causing more frequent extreme weather events, melting polar ice caps, and rising sea levels.