Devon County Council

The greenhouse effect is the natural process whereby certain gases (so-called greenhouse gases) in the atmosphere trap heat energy from the sun, preventing some of it from being re-radiated back out to space.  The greenhouse effect is essential for human life on earth because without it, the planet would be around 30°C colder.

In relatively recent times, human activities have significantly increased the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and nitrous oxide.  There is overwhelming evidence that the increased levels of these gases are adding to the greenhouse effect and causing global warming.  Global warming is causing changes in the Earth’s climate – not just changes in temperature but also changes in the frequency of extreme weather events, in the distribution of rain and snowfall, the timing of the seasons - and rising sea levels.  

For a fun, interactive tool on the science behind climate change, follow this link to the Energy Saving Trust’s site.