This heat trapping causes changes in the radiative balance of the Earth-the balance between energy received from the sun and emitted from Earth-that alter climate and weather patterns at global and regional scales.
Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and certain synthetic chemicals, trap some of the Earth's outgoing energy, thus retaining heat in the atmosphere.
What are the trends in greenhouse gas emissions and concentrations and their impacts on human health and the environment? Climate Change Indicators in the United States.
