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What are greenhouse gases?

The surface of Earth emits heat in the infrared region. Part of this heat is absorbed by gases in our atmosphere. These gases then emit the heat in infrared regions, which causes warming of the planet. This process is known as the greenhouse effect and the gases which are capable of absorbing and emitting heat in this way are known as greenhouse gases. Some of the prominent greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and ozone.


The greenhouse effect is the reason the temperature of Earth is favorable for life. 


Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have caused a rapid buildup of these gases in our atmosphere and this is at least partially responsible for global warming. 


A number of efforts are underway to check the emissions of these gases.


Hope this helps. 

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