This comparison covers Natural vs Enhanced Greenhouse Effect within Greenhouse Effect for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Greenhouse Effect in Atmosphere for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 7 of 13 in this topic. Use this comparison to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 7 of 13
Practice
20 questions
Recall
12 flashcards
⚖️ Natural vs Enhanced Greenhouse Effect
| Aspect | Natural Greenhouse Effect | Enhanced Greenhouse Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Natural concentration of greenhouse gases | Human activities increasing gas concentrations |
| Effect | Earth +15°C (supports life) | Additional warming above natural level |
| CO₂ level | ~280 ppm (pre-industrial) | 420+ ppm (2024) |
| Outcome | Essential for life on Earth | Causing climate change, sea level rise |
| Timescale | Billions of years | Rapid — mainly last 200 years |