The earth surface has an average temperature of 14°C, which make life possible. This ideal for life temperature exist thanks to the presence in the atmosphere of the greenhouse gases (GHG), which act as a partial blanket of radiations that are reflected by the surface. This effect is known as the greenhouse effect, is natural and vital to the life in the earth. Without it, the temperature on the surface would be extremely cold and life would not be possible as we know it today.

 

Nevertheless, the human activities have increased dramatically the greenhouse effect due to emissions of great amounts of GHG gases.  To give an example, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere has increased 35% since the industrial era, mainly caused for the combustion of fossil fuels and deforestation.

 

Human kind, has altered dramatically the chemical composition of the atmosphere with substantial implications on the climate.