Question

Write a short note on the greenhouse effect.

Answer 1

1. The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that keeps the Earth warm at normal levels by forming a blanket of gases in the atmosphere.
2. This blanket of gases, including water vapour, CO₂, and methane (CH₄), allows sunlight to pass through but prevents solar radiation from escaping back into space.
3. It is essential for life because, without this effect, the earth’s average surface temperature would be a chilly −18°C instead of the current 15°C.
4. However, human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation are making this gaseous blanket thicker, resulting in an enhanced greenhouse effect known as global warming.