What effect do increased greenhouse gases have on global temperatures?

Increased greenhouse gases lead to an increase in global temperatures due to the enhanced greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. When solar radiation reaches the Earth, some of it is reflected back into space, while the rest is absorbed and re-radiated as infrared energy. Greenhouse gases absorb and re-radiate this infrared energy, preventing it from escaping into space, thereby warming the atmosphere.

As the concentration of greenhouse gases rises due to human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, more heat is retained, leading to an overall increase in global temperatures. This rise in temperature can result in various climatic changes, including more extreme weather events, melting ice caps, and rising sea levels, which are significant concerns in the context of climate change. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for grasping the challenges posed by climate change and devising strategies to mitigate its impact.