Page 2 - GREENHOUSE EFFECT AND GLOBAL WARMING

is essential for the growth of the plants. Thus, the temperature inside the

greenhouse becomes more than the temperature outside.
 Same is the case in the earth’s atmosphere. The atmosphere around us also
maintains the right temperature for the survival of living things.
 As we know that the earth is covered by a blanket of atmosphere. These
gases present in the atmosphere allow only some of the heat and light from
the sun to reach the earth, while the rest is reflected back. The heat
absorbed is emitted back slowly into the space. However, part of this heat is

trapped by the gases in the atmosphere. This prevents the earth from
cooling down too quickly, and thus maintains an optimum temperature on
the earth. This process is called the greenhouse effect.

 The gases which are responsible for greenhouse effect are called green

house gases.
 The major green house gases are carbon dioxide, methane, water vapour
and ozone.