The "greenhouse effect" is the process by which Earth's atmosphere traps heat, keeping the planet habitable. Without this natural insulation, Earth's average temperature would plummet from roughly 14∘C14 raised to the composed with power C 57∘F57 raised to the composed with power F ) to approximately -18∘Cnegative 18 raised to the composed with power C 0∘F0 raised to the composed with power F
: A cost-effective, flexible plastic often used in commercial "hoop houses" [15]. greenhouse
: Synthetic gases with extremely high Global Warming Potential (GWP) used in refrigeration and industry [3, 4, 38]. 3. The Enhanced Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change The "greenhouse effect" is the process by which
: Rapid melting of glaciers and polar ice caps is causing oceans to rise, threatening coastal communities [25, 34, 39]. ) : The primary driver of recent human-caused
While the natural greenhouse effect is beneficial, human activity since the Industrial Revolution has increased GHG concentrations to unprecedented levels, leading to [3, 17, 26].
) : The primary driver of recent human-caused warming, largely from burning fossil fuels [3, 25, 33]. : Significantly more potent at trapping heat than CO2cap C cap O sub 2
) : Emitted from agricultural and industrial activities [5, 27].