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Lesson 3
Heating it Up: The Chemistry of the Greenhouse Effect

How do greenhouse gases cause warming?

Our atmosphere is made up of gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other trace gases. These tiny molecules, invisible to the human eye, play a major role in determining climate. The energy transferred between these molecules allows for the growth of warm rainforests and the diversity of life on Earth.

In this lesson, you will explore the chemistry of some of the gases that affect Earth's climate.