What is the primary cause of the greenhouse effect?

The primary cause of the greenhouse effect is the accumulation of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun, allowing the Earth to maintain a temperature that supports life. When solar energy reaches the Earth, some of it is reflected back into space, while a significant portion is absorbed and warms the planet. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide capture some of this heat, preventing it from escaping back into space. This natural process is essential for maintaining a habitable climate.

Other potential causes mentioned, such as deforestation, contribute to the greenhouse effect by increasing the levels of carbon dioxide since trees absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, but they are not the primary cause. The release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) primarily damages the ozone layer and contributes to warming, but they are not the main drivers of the greenhouse effect. Increased levels of oxygen in the atmosphere do not contribute to the greenhouse effect; rather, they play a different role in maintaining the overall balance of gases in Earth's atmosphere. Thus, the accumulation of greenhouse gases is the fundamental factor in the greenhouse effect.