3 - The Greenhouse Effect

Summary

The greenhouse effect is a fundamental property of the Earth’s climate that is responsible for keeping the planet warm and habitable for life. The concept of the Goldilocks zone describing the habitability of planets is briefly introduced. Basic concepts in atmospheric physics, such as solar and infrared radiation, are introduced using concepts from everyday life, including an analogy with blankets to explain the greenhouse effect. The two main gases responsible for the greenhouse effect – water vapor and carbon dioxide – are described. The historical background of the discovery of the greenhouse effect, including the very first climate model that predicted global warming (formulated by Svante Arrhenius in the 1890s), as well as the recently uncovered role of Eunice Foote, is presented. Climate feedbacks, which can amplify the global warming, are explained.