Question

On Venus, the runaway greenhouse effect has occurred despite the absence of humans on the planet. Why, then, do we think global warming on Earth is caused by human activity?

(a) Because the temperature increase is highest on the parts of the planet where there are a lot of people.
(b) Because the temperature has begun to increase in proportion to the size of the hole in our ozone layer, which itself correlates strongly with the release of ozone-depleting chemicals made by humans.
(c) Because global warming has gotten worse a lot faster in the last decade.
(d) Because the temperature increase correlates strongly with the increase in human production of greenhouse gases
(e) Because as the total population of the Earth goes up, so does its average temperature.

Answer 1

The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that is crucial for sustaining life on Earth. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, have increased greenhouse gas emissions, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming. Venus serves as an example of what could happen if a planet's greenhouse effect becomes unbalanced.

Step-by-step explanation:

The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that is essential for supporting life on Earth. Gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) trap heat from the sun, creating a natural 'greenhouse' effect that keeps the planet warm. However, human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, have increased the concentration of these greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and a rise in global temperatures.

On Venus, the runaway greenhouse effect has occurred due to natural processes without any human involvement. This serves as a clear example of what could happen if a planet's greenhouse effect becomes unbalanced. While we don't know if the same runaway greenhouse effect could occur on Earth, it is important to address human-induced climate change to prevent potential negative impacts on our planet and future generations.