The greenhouse effect is a natural process that makes life on Earth possible. Like the glass walls of a greenhouse, certain gases in our atmosphere play a crucial role in maintaining Earth's temperature at a habitable level. Without this natural phenomenon, our planet would be too cold to support life as we know it, with an average surface temperature of about -18°C (0°F) instead of the current 15°C (59°F).

The process begins with incoming solar radiation reaching Earth's atmosphere. While some of this energy is reflected back to space by clouds and the Earth's surface, much of it penetrates the atmosphere and warms our planet. As the Earth's surface warms, it emits infrared radiation (heat energy). This is where greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapour come into play - they trap some of this outgoing heat energy in our atmosphere, much like a blanket keeping us warm.

However, human activities since the Industrial Revolution have significantly increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, particularly carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels. This enhanced greenhouse effect is causing more heat to be retained than would naturally occur, leading to global warming and climate change. The delicate balance that has supported life for millions of years is being disrupted, with far-reaching consequences for our climate, ecosystems, and human societies.