# Describe the greenhouse effect and explain how an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere could lead to global climate change.

> AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.9.1 The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Radiation/energy from the Sun passes through the Earth's atmosphere
2. The Earth absorbs radiation and re-emits it as infrared radiation
3. Greenhouse gases (water vapour, carbon dioxide or methane) absorb this infrared radiation, warming the atmosphere
4. An increase in greenhouse gases leads to more infrared radiation being absorbed/trapped, raising the Earth's temperature and causing global climate change (e.g. rising sea levels / extinction of species / decreased crop yield / migration)

## Key terms

- [greenhouse effect](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/greenhouse-effect)
- [greenhouse gases](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/greenhouse-gases)
- [global climate change](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/global-climate-change)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-the-greenhouse-effect-and-explain-94aafc71) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.