![](/assets/images/picto-drapeau-france-3a76576a5d60a512053b4612ab58dae5.png)
4. Energy and the greenhouse effect
If the greenhouse effect did not exist, the average temperature at the Earth's surface would be – 18°C. Water would be in the form of ice, and life could not exist as we know it. Fortunately, the natural greenhouse effect, which results from the presence of gases in small quantities in the atmosphere such as water vapour or carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), raises the average temperature by 33°C. It is therefore 15°C, which makes our planet habitable for life as we know it. While the natural greenhouse effect is essential, its slight increase due to human activities is a cause for concern. Much of this increase comes from the use of fossil fuels for energy purposes. CO 2 is the gas with the greatest contribution to the man-made greenhouse effect, but other gases also have a harmful effect, such as methane,...
Exclusive to subscribers. 97% yet to be discovered!
You do not have access to this resource.
Click here to request your free trial access!
Already subscribed? Log in!
![](/assets/images/logo-eti-286623ed91fa802ce039246e516e5852.png)
The Ultimate Scientific and Technical Reference
This article is included in
Energy resources and storage
This offer includes:
Knowledge Base
Updated and enriched with articles validated by our scientific committees
Services
A set of exclusive tools to complement the resources
Practical Path
Operational and didactic, to guarantee the acquisition of transversal skills
Doc & Quiz
Interactive articles with quizzes, for constructive reading
Energy and the greenhouse effect
Bibliography
Bibliography
Websites
French Environment and Energy Management Agency http://www.ademe.fr
International Energy Agency http://www.iea.org
Areva http://www.areva.com
BP statistical review...
Exclusive to subscribers. 97% yet to be discovered!
You do not have access to this resource.
Click here to request your free trial access!
Already subscribed? Log in!
![](/assets/images/logo-eti-286623ed91fa802ce039246e516e5852.png)
The Ultimate Scientific and Technical Reference