Questions: 26. Explain what would happen to Earth's climate systems if the greenhouse effect did not exist. (2)

If the greenhouse effect did not exist, Earth's climate systems would be drastically different. The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases in Earth's atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, trap heat from the sun. This trapped heat helps to keep the planet warm enough to support life.

Without the greenhouse effect, the following would happen:

1. Significantly Lower Temperatures: Earth's average surface temperature would drop dramatically. Currently, the average temperature is about 59°F (15°C). Without the greenhouse effect, it is estimated that the average temperature would plummet to around 0°F (-18°C). This drastic drop in temperature would make it extremely difficult for most forms of life to survive.

2. Altered Climate Systems: The absence of the greenhouse effect would lead to a much colder climate globally. This would disrupt existing climate systems, potentially leading to more extreme weather patterns. For example, the distribution of precipitation would change, likely resulting in more arid conditions in some regions and excessive snowfall in others.

In summary, without the greenhouse effect, Earth would be a much colder and less hospitable place, with significant impacts on climate systems and the ability of life to thrive.