Final answer:
The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that occurs when certain gases trap and radiate heat in the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in an increase in temperature. It is crucial for supporting life on Earth, as it maintains a suitable surface temperature. The increase in greenhouse gas concentrations caused by human activities has intensified the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming.
Step-by-step explanation:
The greenhouse effect is a phenomenon that occurs when certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap and radiate heat, resulting in an increase in temperature. Greenhouses, like the ones used by gardeners, work in a similar way by trapping infrared radiation and preventing its escape, causing the temperature inside to rise.
The greenhouse effect is crucial for supporting life on Earth, as it maintains an average surface temperature that is suitable for life. Without the greenhouse effect, the Earth would be much colder, possibly even experiencing a global ice age.
The increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, caused largely by human activities, has intensified the natural greenhouse effect, resulting in global warming.