What are greenhouse gases?

Greenhouse gases are defined as gases that absorb infrared radiation. This characteristic allows them to trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, a process essential for maintaining the planet's temperature and supporting life. When solar radiation reaches the Earth, some of it is reflected back to space, while the rest is absorbed, warming the surface. Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, subsequently re-radiate some of this heat back towards the Earth's surface, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

The significance of this process is highlighted in the context of climate change, as increased concentrations of greenhouse gases lead to enhanced greenhouse effects, causing global temperatures to rise. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for addressing environmental management challenges related to climate change, as it provides insights into how human activities influence atmospheric composition and temperature regulation.

In comparison to the other options, they refer to different environmental phenomena that are not pertinent to the definition of greenhouse gases. For instance, gases that cool the atmosphere do not exist in the same way as greenhouse gases, and those that deplete the ozone layer are primarily chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and not classified as greenhouse gases. Similarly, gases that cause acid rain, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides