The Sun's Energy - Earth's Heat Balance

The video explains how sunlight interacts with Earth's atmosphere and surface. Some sunlight is reflected back into space by clouds, ice, and snow, while the rest is absorbed by Earth, causing it to warm. This warmth is radiated back towards space, but greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap much of this heat, maintaining a temperature suitable for life. This natural greenhouse effect is crucial for sustaining life on Earth, as it prevents the planet from freezing.

Describe how sunlight interacts with the Earth's atmosphere.

Explain the process of heat retention within the atmosphere.

What role do greenhouse gases play in the climate system?

How does the natural greenhouse effect contribute to life on Earth?

What would happen to Earth without the greenhouse effect?