The science of global warming – the natural greenhouse effect
Our atmosphere naturally allows the Sun’s infra-red radiation to reach Earth’s surface and warm it. Some of the radiation is absorbed and some of it bounces off Earth’s surface and into the atmosphere.
Naturally-occurring greenhouse gases in the atmosphere – carbon dioxide, water vapour, nitrous oxide, methane and other gases – create a blanket-like effect and trap the infra-red radiation. This maintains average temperatures of about 15°C on the Earth’s surface. Increased greenhouse gases would result in more heat being trapped on the planet surface.