The Earth's atmosphere naturally traps some heat from the sun, a process known as the greenhouse effect. This is essential for maintaining a habitable temperature on our planet. However, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to enhanced global warming.
Cities often experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas, a phenomenon called the urban heat island (UHI) effect. This occurs due to factors like the absorption of solar radiation by dark surfaces (e.g., asphalt and roofs), reduced evapotranspiration from a lack of vegetation, and heat generated by human activities (e.g., vehicles and air conditioning).
Question 1. Identify one of the greenhouse gases that contribute to the enhanced greenhouse effect and explain how this gas traps heat.