Greenhouse Gas - GCSE Geography Definition

Greenhouse gases are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space. This process keeps our planet warm enough for life to exist, much like how a greenhouse keeps plants warm. The most common greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Human activities, like burning fossil fuels for energy and cutting down forests, release extra greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to more heat being trapped. This extra warming is causing climate change, impacting weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems around the world.