What characteristic defines the greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect is characterized by the warming of the Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. When sunlight reaches the Earth, some of it is reflected back to space, and the rest is absorbed, warming the planet. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, allow sunlight in but prevent some of the heat that the Earth emits from escaping back into space. This leads to a net increase in temperature, which is essential for maintaining life as we know it.

While the destruction of the ozone layer, decrease in plant life, and increase in solar radiation are significant environmental issues, they do not define the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect specifically refers to the process of heat retention by the Earth's atmosphere, highlighting its crucial role in regulating global temperatures and climate.