Which Statement Describes the Greenhouse Effect

Question

Which statement describes the greenhouse effect?
A) Most life on Earth relies upon the hospitable temperatures resulting from the greenhouse effect.
B) The greenhouse effect is a dangerous phenomenon that should be stopped as soon as possible.
C) The greenhouse effect results from the presence of oxygen in the atmosphere.
D) Global warming is likely the result of a lessening of the greenhouse effect.

Accepted Answer

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that helps regulate Earth's temperature by trapping some of the sun's energy in the atmosphere, like a greenhouse does. This allows for a hospitable climate that supports most life on Earth.

Answer: D
 Global warming is largely caused by an increase in the concentration of certain gases, such as carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere which intensifies the greenhouse effect. Therefore, a lessening of the greenhouse effect would result in a cooling effect and would not likely be responsible for global warming.