The greenhouse effect occurs when gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun, causing the surface temperature of the Earth to be warmer than it would be otherwise. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane absorb and emit infrared radiation, trapping heat and leading to global warming. Increased concentrations of greenhouse gases from human activities are amplifying the greenhouse effect and further warming the atmosphere and Earth. Solutions to prevent additional global warming include increasing the use of renewable energy, reforestation, and conservation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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