Any change in the balance between the quantity of energy
absorbed compared to the amount emitted affects climate. The
"greenhouse effect" is concerned with the infrared radiation
given off by the earth. Part of this radiation is absorbed by
the atmosphere, rather than being lost to space. The gases in
the atmosphere that absorb infrared light primarily are water
(H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), ozone (O3), nitrous oxide (NO2) and
methane (CH4). The gases act as a sort of insulating blanket for
the earth, in the same way they would act to lessen heat loss
from a greenhouse, hence the name 'greenhouse effect'. It is
estimated that the mean global surface temperature of the earth
would be -25°C (-13°F) if not for the absorption of energy by
carbon dioxide and water. The concentration of water vapor in
the atmosphere is higher than that of carbon dioxide.
Consequently, most of this energy conservation is attributable
to water. You can see this effect when you look at how
temperature drops less on nights with heavy clo