What causes the Earth’s atmosphere to retain heat?

The Earth’s atmosphere retains heat through a process known as the greenhouse effect. Gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapour trap heat from the Sun by absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation. Without this natural process, Earth’s average temperature would be much colder. However, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases, leading to enhanced global warming and changes in climate patterns.