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The greenhouse effect is an indispensable natural phenomenon; without it, the average temperature, currently 15°C, would be no higher than -18°C.

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Thirty percent of solar radiation is sent back into space by clouds, by particles suspended in the atmosphere and by the Earth’s surface.

Boundary between the troposphere, where meteorological phenomena are produced, and the stratosphere, which absorbs a large part of solar radiation.

Part of the infrared rays reflected by the Earth’s surface is not absorbed and dissipates in space.

Gas that traps heat in the atmosphere; composed mainly (60%) of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (15%) and CFCs (12%).

Infrared radiation carries heat energy, which increases the temperature of the atmosphere.

The Earth’s surface reflects infrared radiation, part of which is retained in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases and clouds.

About 50% of solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth’s surface.

About 25% of solar radiation is absorbed by clouds.

A portion of solar radiation is converted into thermal energy by gaseous constituents in the atmosphere, in the clouds and on the Earth’s surface.

All the electromagnetic waves emitted by the Sun.