The greenhouse effect is the process through which heat is trapped near Earth's surface by
substances known as 'greenhouse gases.' Imagine these gases as a cozy blanket enveloping our
planet, helping to maintain a warmer temperature than it would have otherwise. Greenhouse gases
consist of carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and water vapor.
Water vapor, which reacts to temperature changes, is referred to as a 'feedback', because it amplifies
the effect of forces that initially caused the warming.
A simplified animation of the greenhouse effect. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Scientists have determined that carbon dioxide plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of
Earth's atmosphere. If carbon dioxide were removed, the terrestrial greenhouse effect would
collapse, and Earth's surface temperature would drop significantly, by approximately 33°C (59°F).
Greenhouse gases are part of Earth's atmosphere. This is why Earth is often called the 'Goldilocks'
planet – its conditions are just right, not too hot or too cold, allowing life to thrive. Part of what
makes Earth so amenable is its natural greenhouse effect, which maintains an average temperature
of 15 °C (59 °F) . However, in the last century, human activities, primarily from burning fossil fuels
that have led to the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, have
disrupted Earth's energy balance. This has led to an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
and ocean. The level of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere has been rising consistently for decades
and traps extra heat near Earth's surface, causing temperatures to rise.
READ MORE
The Greenhouse Effect (UCAR)
NASA's Climate Kids: Meet the Greenhouse Gases! (downloadable and printable cards)
NASA's Climate Kids: What Is the Greenhouse Effect?
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Page Last Updated:
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Page Editor:
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Responsible NASA Official for Science:
Dana Bolles
Scientists have determined that carbon dioxide plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of
Earth's atmosphere. If carbon dioxide were removed, the terrestrial greenhouse effect would
collapse, and Earth's surface temperature would drop significantly, by approximately 33°C (59°F).
Greenhouse gases are part of Earth's atmosphere. This is why Earth is often called the 'Goldilocks'
planet – its conditions are just right, not too hot or too cold, allowing life to thrive. Part of what
makes Earth so amenable is its natural greenhouse effect, which maintains an average temperature
of 15 °C (59 °F) . However, in the last century, human activities, primarily from burning fossil fuels
that have led to the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, have
disrupted Earth's energy balance. This has led to an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
and ocean. The level of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere has been rising consistently for decades
and traps extra heat near Earth's surface, causing temperatures to rise.
