Climate change is caused by the greenhouse effect, where certain gases, known as greenhouse gases (GHG) trapped radiation from the sun. Scientists have known about the greenhouse effect since 1824 when J. Fourier calculated that the Earth would be much colder if it had no atmosphere. This greenhouse effect is what keeps the Earth's climate livable. Without it the Earth's surface should be an average of 60°F colder, it the Earth's surface would be an average of 60°F colder. Some GHG such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone, occur naturally, while other results from human activities. Very powerful GHG that are not naturally occurring include hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride. Human activities have an upset natural balance of GHG which is resulting in a rapid change to the global temperature. This will affect rainfall, to the global temperature. This will affect rainfall, temperatures, extremist of weather and sea level rise.
