The greenhouse effect is a phenomenon in which the atmosphere of a planet traps radiation emitted by its sun. It is caused by gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and methane that allow incoming sunlight to pass through but retain heat radiated back from the planet’s surface. Given normal circumstances these gases provide the Earth its average temperature of 15 °C, making life possible. However, extensive industrial activity and the burning of oil, coal and natural gases have extensively increased the amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere causing global warming – the increase in Earth’s near-surface air and ocean temperatures. Continue reading →