What effect do greenhouse gases have on the Earth's temperature?

Greenhouse gases play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's temperature by trapping heat in the atmosphere. This phenomenon is known as the greenhouse effect. When sunlight reaches the Earth's surface, some of it is reflected back to space while the rest is absorbed, warming the planet. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, absorb some of this heat and re-radiate it back towards the Earth, causing an increase in temperature.

This natural process is essential for maintaining a climate that can support life; however, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have significantly increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect. Consequently, this results in global warming and climate change, making the direct connection between greenhouse gases and the increase in Earth's temperature clear and substantiated by extensive scientific research and data.