What does the greenhouse effect actually do?

Answer 1

The simple answer is that the greenhouse effect is a process that occurs in the atmosphere that reflects some of the heat radiated from the Earth's surface. This is similar to how a greenhouse 'traps' warmth, thus the name.

This happens due to the ability of some gas molecules to absorb and radiate heat energy. Such molecules are carbon dioxide, methane, sulphur dioxide, and water. A lot of these molecules occur naturally in the Earth's atmosphere. And therefore, the greenhouse effect is partially a natural process. However, mankind also produces these types of molecules due to their own activity, increasing the amount of heat trapped.

This has led to the 'greenhouse effect' or, worse still, the term 'global warming' to mean only mankind's involvement in this process. People tend to think that global warming will mean that the earth will get a few degrees warmer. What in fact is happening is that more energy is being put into the Earth's weather systems, with really unpredictable results. It might be that what we're doing is driving the planet to the next ice-age.

If you want to get an idea of 'the absolute worst possible case scenario', read up upon the atmospheric conditions of the planet Venus. Venus has an amazingly high green-house effect, and temperatures on the planet's surface are hot enough to melt lead.

At present we have an enhanced (or runaway) greenhouse effect. This is caused by all the extra carbon dioxide that man has put into the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution, when we began burning coal, first for industry, then transport and the generation of electricity. The carbon dioxide from fossil fuel has been underground for millions of years, so it has not been part of the normal carbon cycle which keeps the planet warm. This enhanced greenhouse effect is causing the warming of the planet, with the ten hottest years on record all occurring since 1995.

Answer 2

The greenhouse effect refers to the trapping of gas in the earths atmosphere that prevent the heat and light from the sun from escaping the earth. This reflects the heat back to the earth. The common misconception about this effect is that it should mean the earth is getting hotter. While yes, it is getting hotter it actually manifests in the changing of the ocean currents and the development of more extreme weather, which could include more extreme snow storms, rain storms, tornadoes etc.

Answer 3

Greenhouse effect hampers the earth's ecological cycle. It cause ozone depletion too.

Answer 4

The normal greenhouse effect keeps the planet warm. An enhanced greenhouse effect, like we have on earth, means the heat is gradually increasing.