What are greenhouse gas molecules?

Greenhouse gas molecules are like tiny invisible blankets that keep Earth warm.

Imagine you're wearing a cozy sweater on a chilly day, it keeps you from getting too cold. Greenhouse gas molecules work in a similar way, but for the whole planet. When sunlight reaches Earth, some of it warms up the ground and the air around us. Then, greenhouse gas molecules catch that heat and hold it close, like a warm hug.

Think about a greenhouse, a glass house where plants grow all year round. The glass lets in sunlight but keeps the warmth inside. Greenhouse gas molecules act just like that glass. They let sunlight pass through, but they trap some of the heat, making Earth stay comfortable instead of getting too chilly.

Some common ones are:

• Carbon dioxide, which is made when we burn things like wood or gasoline.
• Methane, which comes from cows and landfills.
• Water vapor, which is in the air when it’s humid or raining.

These molecules might be tiny, but together they make a big difference, just like how a few feathers can keep you warm on a cold night!