Causes

The earth receives short wave radiation from the sun and emits long wave radiation.

Carbon Dioxide (CO²) is a gas in the atmosphere.

Carbon Dioxide traps some of the heat while some heat is released into outer space.

Burning fossil fuels – coal, oil, and deforestation (cutting down trees) – increases the amount of CO² in the atmosphere.

The increased CO² traps more heat so less escapes to outer space.

As heat builds up in the atmosphere, atmospheric temperatures rise.

This increase in air temperature caused by CO² emissions is called Global Warming.

See Diagram

Effects

The increase in atmospheric temperatures causes melting of the polar ice caps.  This will result in flooding in low-lying areas and coastal cities.

The increased Greenhouse Effect also causes greater evaporation. This will result in droughts and crop failure and lead to famines.

Solutions

Reduce consumption of fossil fuels by using alternative forms of energy e.g. Solar power, wave energy, Wind power. 

Encourage new technologies which filter CO² emissions from factories and reduce the amount of pollutants released into the atmosphere. 

Reduce the use of cars for transport.  Encourage public transport. 

Prevent the deforestation of the Equatorial Rainforests in countries such as Indonesia and Brazil.

Plant more trees.  Trees absorb CO² from the atmosphere thereby reducing the Greenhouse Effect.