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9.3 The Greenhouse Effect

Part of Global Change in AP® Environmental Science. Read the opening section, then create a free account for the full interactive lesson, practice, and progress tracking.

The greenhouse effect is the natural process by which certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat radiated from Earth's surface, keeping the planet warm enough for life. Without it, Earth's average temperature would be about -18°C instead of the +15°C we enjoy.

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