The greenhouse effect and the radiative equilibrium

Without the natural greenhouse effect, it would be very cold on earth with an average of -18 degrees Celsius and no life would have been able to develop. Fortunately, greenhouse gases such as CO2, methane and water vapor ensure life-friendly temperatures. However, human activities have significantly increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, threatening the life-friendliness of our planet!

With this module, the physical processes underlying the greenhouse effect can be worked out. The content focuses on the following three topics:

1. The earth is irradiated (radiation equilibrium).
2. The earth, a radiating planet (thermal radiation)
3. The effect of greenhouse gases (greenhouse effect)