What role do carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor play in the Greenhouse Effect?

Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. These gases absorb a significant amount of sunlight that is reflected off the Earth's surface.

The Earth's annual temperature rises gradually as a result of this solar absorption.

We call this phenomenon the greenhouse effect.

Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor are greenhouse gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere. They absorb and emit infrared radiation, which prevents some of the heat from escaping back into space, thereby warming the planet. This process is essential for maintaining Earth's temperature within a range that is conducive to life. However, an excess of greenhouse gases, particularly from human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, can lead to an enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming.