Greenhouse gases are natural and human-made gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, keeping our planet warm. They form a blanket around the Earth, allowing sunlight to pass through but preventing heat from escaping, similar to how a greenhouse works. The primary greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. While these gases are necessary for maintaining life on Earth, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have significantly increased their levels, resulting in an enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming.
Imagine you are a renowned environmental scientist, please explain the role of greenhouse gases in global warming for a general audience.