![]() The level of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere has been rising consistently for decades and traps extra heat near Earth's surface, causing temperatures to rise.The star-forming nebula W51 is one of the largest "star factories" in the Milky Way galaxy. But in the last century or so, humans have been interfering with the planet's energy balance, mainly through the burning of fossil fuels that add carbon dioxide to the air. Part of what makes Earth so amenable is its natural greenhouse effect, which keeps the planet at a friendly 15 ☌ (59 ☏) on average. For that reason, Earth is sometimes called the “Goldilocks” planet – its conditions are not too hot and not too cold, but just right to allow life (including us) to flourish. Greenhouse gases occur naturally and are part of our atmosphere's makeup. ![]() Without carbon dioxide, Earth's surface would be some 33☌ (59☏) cooler. Remove carbon dioxide, and the terrestrial greenhouse effect would collapse. (Water vapor, which responds physically or chemically to changes in temperature, is called a "feedback.") Scientists have determined that carbon dioxide's warming effect helps stabilize Earth's atmosphere. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides, and water vapor. The greenhouse effect is the way in which heat is trapped close to Earth's surface by “greenhouse gases.” These heat-trapping gases can be thought of as a blanket wrapped around Earth, keeping the planet toastier than it would be without them.
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