Final answer:
Greenhouse gases are substances that absorb and emit infrared radiation, notably carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, which trap heat in the Earth's lower atmosphere and are a significant driver of the climate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Greenhouse gases are substances in the Earth's atmosphere that absorb and re-radiate thermal energy. This process is known as the greenhouse effect, which is vital for maintaining temperatures that sustain life. In response to the question, greenhouse gases are c) gases in the lower atmosphere that absorb infrared radiation from Earth.
The main greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor. These gases allow sunlight to enter the atmosphere freely. When sunlight strikes the Earth's surface, it is converted into heat and re-emitted as infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases trap this infrared radiation, preventing it from escaping back into space, thus warming the planet.
Since the Industrial Revolution, the concentration of these gases has increased due to human activities, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and global climate change. The most significant drivers of the greenhouse effect and climate change are greenhouse gases.