Problem:
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, which means it absorbs and radiates heat. Warmed by sunlight, Earth's land and ocean surfaces continuously radiate thermal infrared energy (heat). Unlike oxygen or nitrogen (which make up most of our atmosphere), greenhouse gases absorb that heat and release it gradually over time, like bricks in a fireplace after the fire goes out. Without this natural greenhouse effect, Earth's average annual temperature would be below freezing instead of close to 60°F. But increases in greenhouse gases have tipped the Earth's energy budget out of balance, trapping additional heat and raising Earth's average temperature.[1]Links to an external site. Would happen without the natural greenhouse effect? What would happen without the natural greenhouse effect? Earth would be freezing and life would not exist. The sea levels would rise. The sea levels would fall. The poles of the earth would move, changing all weather patterns.