The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases trap heat from the sun, keeping the Earth warm enough to sustain life. However, human activities have intensified this effect, leading to global warming.
Process of the Greenhouse Effect:
1. The sun’s radiation passes through the Earth’s atmosphere.
2. The Earth absorbs some of this energy and radiates the rest as infrared heat.
3. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) trap some of this heat, preventing it from escaping into space.
4. As greenhouse gas levels increase due to human activities (e.g., burning fossil fuels, deforestation), more heat gets trapped, raising global temperatures.
Impact of Global Warming:
Rising temperatures cause extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires.
Melting glaciers and polar ice caps lead to rising sea levels, causing coastal flooding.
Disruption of ecosystems leads to species extinction and biodiversity loss.
Increased health risks due to heat-related illnesses and air pollution.