The “greenhouse effect” refers to how certain gases in the atmosphere (like carbon dioxide and water vapor) warm due to their absorption of infrared radiation emitted by Earth, leading to the surface of Earth being warmer than it would be without the presence of those gases. Steadily increasing amounts of these gases are associated with steadily increasing surface temperatures, a phenomenon known as global warming.

This Reading provides background information on the underlying concepts in the Activities included in the Project Earth Science: Meteorology, Revised 2nd Edition. The Reading goes beyond what is found in the background information in the activities. The Reading can be used as supplementary information for the teacher, or to enhance classroom discussions.