Ace the 2026 Leaving Cert Ecology Exam – Unlock Your Eco-Success!

The greenhouse effect refers to the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun, leading to an increase in surface temperature. This natural phenomenon is crucial for maintaining a temperature that supports life. When sunlight reaches the Earth, some of it is reflected back into space, while the rest is absorbed by the surface, warming the planet. The Earth then emits this energy in the form of infrared radiation.

Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, absorb and re-radiate some of this infrared energy, preventing it from escaping into space. This process effectively keeps the planet warm enough to sustain ecosystems and human life. If the concentration of these gases increases, it can enhance the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and climate change.

Understanding the greenhouse effect is essential for recognizing the delicate balance of Earth's climate and the impact human activities, such as fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, can have on this balance.